U21s v Aberdeen

Tuesday, 24th Nov 1998

Victory for the defence

DUNFERMLINE U21 1 ABERDEEN U21 0

Given that Aberdeen supporters are even more concerned about relegation than Pars fans, (tonight’s Evening Express ran a phone in poll on who was to blame), the Aberdeen players were out to impress and gain a place in the 1st XI starting line up. This U21 match saw Aberdeen encamped in the Dunfermline half for lengthy periods but the Dunfermline defence has to get the credit for a remarkable shut out.

The Pars fielded Liberian triallist Jonathan Sogbie whose presence meant that everyone got in for free - something about his registration/work permit. George Shaw and Billy McDonald were the other over age players. McDonald is on trial having been in Holland and his main claim to footballing fame seems to have squared up to Gazza at Ibrox. The wee man tried hard with not a lot of effect though his effort could not be faulted. The Liberian? Well he didn’t at any time get good service. He did put in the cross from the right which Colin NISH rose to head past Stillie from 10 yards. Nice flicks and touches back to midfield and the odd ball out to the wings but he looked tired in the second half and in the end he did little to breach the Dons defence.

Prior to the Pars taking the lead in the 38th minute, Aberdeen had had their chances. Firstly a Hay clearance failed to go out of play for a throw in and a hurried 40 yard angled shot almost caught him out. Then a couple of chances developed out of clearances blasted against an attackers. Mackie brought a great save out of Hay in 28 minutes. Andy Dow took control of the midfield for a while and Ricky Gillies impressed in spells.

The second half was dominated by the Dons. Derek Young should have headed in after 56 minutes and then three minutes later Andy Dow had a clear shot at goal but Hay saved magnificently. Ten minutes later Hay again thwarted Gillies. Michael Hart set up Gillies in the 77th minute but his shot was cleared off the line. Hay had further match winning saves before the end.

What happened up front - not a lot. Steven Boyle looked fast carrying the ball up the left but really the Dunfermline account never looked likely to increase.

DUNFERMLINE: Hay, Donnelly, Hay, Martin, Anderson (Neil 80); Shaw, Fraser, McDonald, Templeman (Boyle 45); Sogbie, Nish.
SUBS NOT USED:
SCORERS: Nish (38)
YELLOW CARD: Sogbie (54)

ABERDEEN:
SUBS NOT USED:

REFEREE:
WEATHER:
ATTENDANCE 240

NEXT MATCH: U21 League (away) Tuesday 1st December 1998

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