AFC Youth Academy Under 13's trip to Derby

This year's under 13's made their first trip down south with a visit to a Derby for a festival of football.

On day one the Dons began in style by beating Derby County 5-2 with the goals coming from Craig Mackie, Hamish Ritchie, and a terrific hat-trick from Aaron Norris, with Darren Ellis dominating in the midfield area.

The Dons then beat a strong and powerful Leicester City side 4-1 and it needed strong defending from Lewis Dunbar, Ben Garrett, and Murray McKelvie when 2-1 up to remain in control of the match. A sensational run and shot into the top corner by Scott Wright edged the Dons 3-1 ahead and Ryan Farrell wrapped things up with a well taken fourth. Frank Ross who had a terrific tournament opened the scoring with a lovely side footed finish with Michael Jones getting our second.

The Dons struggled to find their form of the first two matches in their third game and found themselves 1-0 down at the break against a stuffy Bradford City side. It took a Beckham like free kick by Hamish Ritchie to level matters and although they dominated they couldn't find the winner in fact it needed a penalty save from Dons keeper Grant Yates in the final minute to keep the unbeaten run going.

On day two the Dons again struggled to find their real form but still had too much for Tranmere Rovers and ran out 3-0 winners with goals from the impressive Scott Wright, Craig Mackie, and Cameron Stokes with Ross Cordiner unlucky to see his shot smash off the post.

The Dons then turned on the style by beating Exeter City 6-0 where the passing and movement of the Dons was a real joy to watch. Scott Wright notched another two goals, as did Michael Jones. Craig Mackie got his customary goal and a smashing left foot drive from Jack Tait completed the scoring.

On day three the Dons finished in style where another terrific display of free flowing football saw them beat Scottish counterparts Ayr United 5-1 with Frank Ross, two from Craig Mackie, and two from Michael Jones completing the scoring.

All in all a terrific experience for the young boys whose behaviour and conduct was a credit not only to themselves, but also the club and their families too. A special thanks to all at AFC for arranging this trip and also SVS our main sponsor for this trip.

Finally a huge thank to you my fellow coaches on the trip Willie Sutherland, Jim McCubbin, Jim Bain, and the ever entertaining Bob Stokes, whose hard work, dedication, and friendship made the trip an enjoyable one for all, not forgetting our Coach driver Jason who was a great help too.

Squad: Grant Yates (GK), Matthew Jones (GK), Cameron Stokes, Jack Tait, Lewis Dunbar, Ben Garrett, Murray McKelvie, Scott Wright, Darren Ellis, Craig Mackie, Hamish Ritchie, Michael Jones, Liam Wilson, Ross Cordiner, Ryan Farrell, Aaron Norris, Frank Ross, Liam Craig

Alan Cheyne, AFC Youth Academy, Under 13's