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fine-n-dandy

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ollie1903
ollie1903

Well, it's been a long, enjoyable journey to this point, and the easy part is now ticked off, but delighted to throw it out there that Deano's been offered a 3 year full time contract starting this su

ollie1903
ollie1903

Dons Under 17s have just beaten Celtic 2-0 this afternoon with goals from Deano and Nath Meres. Pretty comfortable throughout and Archie only had one save of note to make. The under 15s also comfortab

ollie1903
ollie1903

Was a proud father yesterday. Dean was on the bench for the under 20's. He didn't get on, so I've told him to go knock on the managers door! He's disappointed not to get on, but rightly proud of hims

The Cockney Don Mentor

The Cockney Don

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After a free week, it was back to Development League action for the Young Dons as they travelled to Fife to meet St Johnstone – the match being staged at the home ground of Kelty Hearts. This was the third meeting of the sides this term, with the Young Dons having notched single goal victories against the Perth outfit in both the Development League and the Irn Bru Cup.


Scott Wright took his place in a strong looking Dons line up while Connor McLennan was also involved.


McLennan set up the game’s first opportunity on 9 minutes when he slipped the ball to Dean Campbell but the skipper’s left footed piledriver was a foot too high. Shortly after, Scott Wright tested the keeper as the Dons looked to take control of the game.


The opening twenty minutes were fiercely contested with both sides finding it difficult to create clear openings.


Saints forced a couple of corners but strong defending from Harlain Mbayo and Sam Roscoe kept the Perth men at bay. Frank Ross saw a shot well saved while at the other end David Craddock was quickly off his line to deny Docherty as the winger threatened.


On 35 minutes Connor McLennan chipped the keeper after a swift break by Campbell and Wright but his effort drifted just wide.


Seconds later a long Craddock clearance saw Seb Ross racing in on goal, but his progress was halted by Quigley’s tug on his shirt. Referee Lambie deemed it denying a goal scoring opportunity and showed a red card to the Saints defender.


Although the Dons pressed forward at every opportunity, the Perth defence held firm to reach half time with a blank scoreline.


Half time St Johnstone 0 Aberdeen 0


Saints coach Alec Cleland made a switch at the interval bringing on Lumsden for Ballantyne. The Dons were first to threaten but Harvie’s header was comfortably saved. On 55 minutes only the post denied the Dons as Seb Ross’s header struck the upright after a fine Frank Ross cross.


Craddock denied Callum Hendry a minute later producing a flying save after the striker got a header in after a rare foray forward from St Johnstone.


The deadlock was broken on 62 minutes. Scott Wright burst into the box but was fouled by Ciaran Brian. The winger dusted himself down and comfortably converted the spot kick to give the Dons a deserved lead.


Danny Harvie was booked for a foul shortly after then David Dangana came on for McLennan. Craddock again saved well from Wilson’s header before Saints skipper McCann went in to book for dissent.


The home side brought on Robertson for Struthers before Docherty fired over then Ethan Ross replaced brother Seb for the last 12 minutes. Saints last change saw O’Reilly replace Docherty while MacPherson came on for Mbayo for Aberdeen.


Dangana and McClean were both cautioned in the dying minutes, but Aberdeen clung on to take a deserved three points, making it three wins out of three against the men from Perth this season.


Full time St Johnstone 0 Aberdeen 1


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The Cockney Don Mentor

The Cockney Don

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PAUL SHEERIN interview :

 

The Dons U20s signed off for their winter break with a 1-0 win over St Johnstone. The victory at the time of writing sees the young Dons finish the first half of the season at the top of the table and they are also in the Quarter Finals of the SFA Youth Cup. Paul Sheerin spoke to RedTV after the game:

“The three points was the most important thing, but obviously the performance when St Johnstone went down to ten men was more difficult for us for some reason. It affected us more than it affected them, and they dig in and still had something to fight for while it was at 0-0. Eleven V eleven I thought we were quite bright and I thought Frank should have scored, Connor should scored, and I think we looked quite good when we got in behind them a bit more. When they sat in as a back four we had to do more to shift them and we never did that well enough.

“They had one decent chance at David in goals but he was comfortable with his starting position and made a good save. Overall, they made it difficult, but they didn’t really threaten us too much in our box. It’s three 1-0 wins against St Johnstone this season with the Irn-Bru Cup and the two league games so it’s pleasing to get the clean sheet and overall pleasing with the win. Performance could have been better, but in recent weeks we’ve been good going forward so we will settle for the clean sheet and we’re always capable of scoring.

“It’s another three points and it’s been a great run we’re on so we’re pleased we’ve finished this half of the season with a win.

“There’s been progression in the bulk of the players in terms of their development at this early stage. I think as a team we’ve definitely developed. There was a lot of inconsistency at the start of the season which is to be expected with a new squad and there were a lot of young players but their development has been very pleasing.

“Dean Campbell has come in and captained the U20’s at such a young age and looks so accomplished week in week out. Overall the first half of the season we’re potentially at the top depending how other results go and still in the Youth Cup so at this stage I couldn’t ask for much more in all honesty.

“Sometimes the first team players come along and strengthen the squad with their experience and talent. We’ve been fortunate enough, with the greatest respect to them that it’s been our core squad at 20’s and that obviously gives them the opportunity to develop. Albeit when the first team ones come in it’s vital they pick up tips from them and play their game. I do feel that’s the main part of progression and we are seeing that both individually and as a group.

“Ten goals from Seb Ross and arguably it could have been eleven as he could have scored with his header which hit the post. He’s really matured this season and obviously the fact he’s playing more regularly helps as well. We’re really pleased with Seb and he’s been very good, and the goals have been spread out this season. There’s a few on five or six as well which is pleasing. Ryan Harrington has come in and done really well (at the back). The two centre halves, Harlain Mbayo and Sam Roscoe, I wouldn’t fancy facing them every week. It’s quite daunting looking at the two of them as a centre forward no doubt. There’s still room for improvement in those areas, but they’re doing well. They’re the older ones and you expect them to be a bit more consistent in their performances and the run we’ve been on that’s shown more and more with a back four and goalkeeper. It’s pleasing we’ve finished with the clean sheet for them as well.

Meanwhile in the last eight of the SFA Youth Cup Aberdeen have been drawn at home to either Stirling Albion or Ross County.

“You want a home draw in the cup. Whenever you get to this stage it’s always going to be a difficult one. Obviously, Stirling and Ross County are still to play so we will find out more when that tie is played out. We’ll make sure we get to see that, so we know exactly what we’re facing and hopefully that gives us a wee advantage as well. From the players point of view, it will be great if we could play the match at Pittodrie and I think they’ve earned that. The younger ones who haven’t been involved in a Youth Cup match at our stadium so it would be good if we could manage that. At this stage if it’s going to be Ross County then it’s going to be tough as they’re the Premiership team and I am saying that with the greatest respect to Stirling Albion as I’ve not really seen them. If it is Stirling, we will treat them with the utmost respect. It’s an opportunity at this stage of the competition with a home draw to get in the semi-final and who knows what can happen there.

“Over the winter break the players will go away with a fitness programme pack and hopefully looks after themselves as good professionals should do. Hopefully they come back on the 11th and hit the ground running.

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The Cockney Don Mentor

The Cockney Don

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From the Official Site.

 

Aberdeen FC can confirm midfielder Lewis Hutchison has left the club.

The 17 year old, who was part of the Scotland U17 squad that qualified for the UEFA U17 Championship in March, has made 8 appearances for Paul Sheerin’s U20 side this season.

Everyone at AFC would like to wish Lewis all the best for his future career.

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The Cockney Don Mentor

The Cockney Don

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0-0.

 

Aberdeen U20s were back in action this evening after their winter shutdown.

Paul Sheerin’s side travelled to play Forfar at Station Park in a friendly match.

Although there were no goals in the game, the young Dons put in an encouraging performance against an experienced League One side who included former Don Kevin McNaughton in their line-up.

In the first half Aberdeen were the better side and created three or four decent chances. Seb Ross went close on a couple of occasions and might have had a penalty when he clashed with Grant Adam in the Forfar goal. The keeper also made a couple of fine saves. The last time the midfielder played at this ground he scored four goals in a Development League game and he again looked in fine form this evening.

The second half was a tighter affair which few chances at either end. The Dons made seven changes which did disrupt their play slightly.

A useful run out for the boys as they look to get their match fitness back. The clean sheet will also have pleased Paul Sheerin.

Tyler Alexander from the U16s made his first appearance this evening for the 20s. There were also a couple of young trialists on view.

The side are next in competitive action against Motherwell in the SPFL Development League on the 29th January. Please note there is still no date yet for the SFA Youth Cup Quarter Final as Stirling Albion and Ross County have still to play their tie from the previous round. The game scheduled for last week was postponed as Ross County were unable to make the kick off due to road traffic accident on the A9.

Forfar Athletic: Adam, Bain, Duthie, Warwick (Clark 62), McNaughton, Cregg, Nelson (Allan 67), McBride, Peters, Easton, Aitken (Starkey 54). Subs McCallum (GK), Mackintosh

Aberdeen: Mair (Craddock 60), Harrington (MacKenzie 73), Wells (Robertson 73), Campbell (MacPherson 60), Trialist (Mbayo 60), Roscoe, Virtanen, S. Ross (Alexander 60), Dangana, E. Ross, Antoniazzi (Trialist 73).

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