U19s v Aberdeen

Under 19s go down 2-0 at Balgownie in a wet and windy affair in which Scott MacKintosh is carried off

ABERDEEN 2 DUNFERMLINE 0

Dunfermline U19`s travelled north on Friday to play Aberdeen U19s in difficult conditions at a wet and windy Balgownie. The Pars were without both Ross Drummond and Grant Munro through illness which left them short of left sided players. Allan Smith is still recovering from breaking his wrist and captain Shaun Byrne was left out as he was on call for the first team`s game against Hibs. For the Dons Neil Cooper was forced into a couple of changes as Conor Devaney never recovered in time from an injury and Jamie Masson was ill.

Dunfermline had the strong wind behind them in the first half and started brightly and forced a number of corners. Aberdeen enjoyed the best of the play in the first half and could consider themselves unlucky to reach half time without scoring. Declan McManus was unlucky with a header which just went past the post and Cammy Smith hit the woodwork after a fantastic run and shot. The Pars best attempt came from Scott Mercer whose free kick deceived the keeper but sneaked over the bar.

Half Time: Aberdeen 0 Dunfermline 0

The second half started more even but gradually Aberdeen took control. A 58th minute goal from Declan McMANUS put the home side into a 1-0 lead. Dunfermline lost possession from a throw in and after a couple of exchanges Ryan Fraser squared to set up McManus.

Kerr Young was unlucky when he screwed a shot outside the post from eight yards before on 70 minutes Scott McKintosh suffered what looked a serious injury. He had recovered from a chest injury in last Sunday`s cup win at Partick, trained on Monday and was fit to start this game. Unfortunately the youngster had to be carried off after a lengthy stoppage with Chris Hackland taking over up front.

Aberdeen increased their lead when the Pars midfield lost possession allowing Fraser once again set up McMANUS and again he finished well when one on one with the keeper. There was a further stop when the referee got injured and had to swap with his linesman and both Young with a header and Ritchie after he had jinked into the box had half chances for Dunfermline but they ended up goalless.