Aberdeen 4 - 0 Inverness CT

Aberdeen U20s finished off what was a very good week for them with a comfortable 4-0 win over Inverness this afternoon. Duncan Shearer's side have caused the Dons problems over the years in the Development League but today was a convincing victory, only four days after beating Hibs 1-0. This was a very good team performance - solid in defence and very good going forward - but Sam Robertson deserves a special mention for a stunning goal and two assists.

Aberdeen lined up with Lennox in goal, Rose was at right back with trialist Daniel Adjeo partnering McKenna in central defence and Harvie was at left back. Thomas and Norris were in central midfield with Wright on the left and Robertson on the right. Ross played the role in behind the striker who was Orsi. The Dons played their first ever Development League game at Spain Park - not very aptly named as it was a bitterly cold afternoon. Aberdeen played into a very strong head wind in the first half, not that you would have known it as they played some great football and completely dominated.
The Dons were the better side early on although the first chance of the game came on 10 minutes and went to the visitors. Calum Howarth took a free kick in a very promising position right on the edge of the area but his shot caught the wind and went harmlessly over the bar. Any time Duncan Sheaer's side did get into the final third of the pitch, their pass or final ball was over hit because of the wind. A minute later Daniel Harvie made a good run and put over a great low cross but the keeper gathered. Then Aberdeen won a free kick in a good position but Frank Ross drove the ball into the wall. Shortly after that Frank tried his luck from distance and his shot just went past the post. The midfielder was in superb form today and Inverness could not deal with his bursts forward.
Aberdeen's pressing today was superb with Norris and Thomas in the middle of the park controlling the match. The pace of Norris, Wright and Ross and some of their touches was very impressive. On 19 minutes the young Dons took a deserved lead and what a goal it was. After another good slick passing move Thomas won a 50/50 challenge high up the pitch. It was a very good tackle that he had no right to win. The ball broke to Sam Robertson who took the ball inside before unleashing a superb curling shot that gave keeper Daniel Hoban absolutely no chance. It is a goal his dad Wilson would have been proud of.
A couple of minutes later in was two. Another very good goal saw Scott Wright dancing his way forward before playing a through ball into the feet of Ross. Like his goal on Tuesday, Frank touch a very good first touch to create room for a shot and then he fired the ball high into the net. On 25 minutes Inverness looked to try and get back into the match. The ball was played square to Calum Ferguson but the strikers shot was straight at Lennox. The Dons keeper did not much to do today but anything he did have, he dealt with confidently. The keeper has impressed in his three outings so far, two of which have resulted in clean sheets. On the half hour mark Thomas again won a challenge which turned defence in attack. He slipped in Orsi but his shot was just wide of the target. Kalvin has had a long battle with injury this season but is getting his match sharpness back and he worked tirelessly for his side today up front.
Aberdeen were well on top when the third goal arrived in the 38th minute. Robertson popped up on the right wing and he put over a really good low ball to the front of the six yard box that asked questions of the defence. As Frank Ross made a run towards the ball Inverness skipper Jason Brown had no choice but to play it. Unfortunately for him the contact he made spun the ball up and past his own keeper and into the net.

Inverness to their credit were stronger in the second half but they never really looked like getting back into the game. On 55 minutes, after a decent move Blair MacLennan pulled a shot just wide of the target. Aberdeen were in control but did not create as many chances in the second period. On the hour mark from a corner the ball broke to Michael Rose but the centre half, who has a fine scoring record, scooped the ball over the bar. Scott Wright then set up Ross but he put his effort wide.
A lot of the Dons forward play was coming down the left due to full back Harvie who was always looking to get forward and was making some intelligent runs. On one occasion Ross cut the ball back from the by-line but Orsi, who produced a powerful header but could not direct it on target. On 71 minutes the visitors then put their best move of the game together, the ball swept forward and Andrew MacRae had a shooting chance on the edge of the area bit his shot was defected behind.
In the closing stages Paul Sheerin brought off Frank Ross and Scott Wright with one eye on the first team game on Monday night. In the 79th minute Sam Robertson got his second assist of the game when he played in substitute Bruce Anderson with a great pass. Anderson just had the keeper to beat and as he came rushing out Bruce cleverly placed the ball between his legs.
In the closing stages Thomas and Norris picked up knocks but hopefully both injuries should not be too serious. With Joe Nuttall hopefully returning to the squad soon, the young Dons look very strong for their ten remaining matches. They are next in action on Tuesday against Partick Thistle.