How did Aberdeen’s youngsters fare in their draw with Turriff United?

A young Aberdeen side drew 1-1 with Breedon Highland League outfit Turriff United as both sides stepped up their pre-season preparations.

There were no established first-team players in Stuart Duff’s squad who visited the Haughs, but the Dons youngsters were watched by assistant manager Brian Kerr and recently-appointed first-team coach Stephen Craigan.

Aidan Sopel’s opener gave R Davidson (Banchory) Highland League Cup-holders Turra a first half lead, but a late Glen Donald own goal meant it finished level.

Match action

Although Aberdeen looked comfortable and confident in possession, Turriff looked threatening when they got forward, despite not having the Highland League’s top-scorer from last season Miller Keir in their squad.

The hosts had the first decent opening in the 18th minute when Murray Cormack’s pass found Sopel in space inside the box, but goalkeeper Rodrigo Vitols rushed off his line to make a good save.

That seemed to spark the Dons into a bit more life and the woodwork denied them on 27 minutes.

Joseph Teasdale’s low cross from the right was met by Zak To, whose effort bounced back off the crossbar and seconds later United stung their full-time opponents by taking the lead.

The lively Sopel showed his quality by gathering possession at the edge of the penalty area before jinking past two challenges and finishing tidily into the bottom right corner.

There was one more good effort in the first period as Turra goalkeeper Lee Herbert repelled Sam McLean.

After the break, the Reds upped the tempo in pursuit of an equaliser, but United defended well, although Herbert did make a fine stop from Heath Duncan’s low drive.

However, Aberdeen were also grateful to their goalkeeper, with Vitols making an excellent double save to thwart Cormack and Ritchie Massie.

But with five minutes left the Dons did restore parity when sub JJ Hulse’s cross was turned into his own net by Donald under pressure from Teasdale.

Who impressed for the Dons?

Although Aberdeen played at a good tempo, they didn’t find it easy to carve out chances against an energetic and well-organised Turriff side.

Of the Dons attackers Jack Searle, who lined up at left wing-back, looked the most dangerous during his 57 minutes on the pitch.

Searle – who spent last season on loan at Keith – got into a number of good positions, but his final ball could have been better.

Striker Teasdale was well-marshalled for the most part by United centre-backs Donald and Owen Kinsella, who both showed up well.

In midfield, To was neat and tidy with his use of the ball and McLean showed moments of promise on the right flank.

However, the Dons will be disappointed with the goal they conceded and how easily Sopel broke through their defence.

[Source: Press and Journal]