League Champions London Aberdeen have won the double for the first time in 5 years, beating rivals Celtic 3-2 after extra time in dramatic circumstances in a match held at AFC Wimbledon’s Kingsmeadow stadium last Friday.
 
Manager Tom Waterston had a full squad of 18 to pick from, and took the bold decision to start top scorer Ewan Rossiter on the bench in order to match up to Celtics 5 man midfield. In front of a noisy crowd of over 100 fans, the Dons started well and were enjoying the superb playing surface, working the ball into wide areas and playing at a good tempo. The opening goal came after another such passage of play with the ball worked from left to right and back again, picking out Greg Simpson 25 yards from goal, the wide man cut inside with a stepover or two before firing an unstoppable curling effort into the top corner with the Celtic goalkeeper nowhere. Probably the goal of the season and what a time for it! The Dons continued to push for a second but came up against a resolute Celtic defence, who themselves began to put the Dons under a good deal of pressure as the half went on.

The Celts came out in the second half determined to get back into the game and started much the stronger team, forcing a succession of corners and free kicks allowing them to get their excellent centre halfs forward and test the Dons backline with excellent deliveries. Despite a succession of saves from Craig Duncan Celtic were level soon after when a Duncan save was headed back into the middle of the box and Celtics midfielder headed home. A deserved equaliser for Celtic.

Despite the loss of the goal Aberdeen seemed to start playing better football again, and finished the half stongly. Martin Barr in centre midfield was having an excellent game frequently getting the ball to the Dons widemen Simpson and MacLennan. A few chances came and went for both sides, Richie Campbell heading straight at the keeper when he might have fancied himself to do better. The Dons squad was tested with both fullbacks pulling up with injuries as the pace of the match kept up, Smith and Hainey both coming on and doing well. With 15 minutes to go the Dons made a final change sending on top scorer Rossiter as they pushed for the winner, unfortunately as soon as the change was made Captain and centre half Andy Smith pulled up lame and had to be shunted up front as a precaution against the pacey Celtic attack capitalising.

Into extra time and it was really a case of the walking wounded for the Dons, who at this stage had a centre half up front, a centre forward in midfield and a centre midfielder as a makeshift centre half. With both teams struggling with cramp chances were few and far between, but up stepped Simmy again to drive to the by line and fire a dangerous cross that the Celtic defender could only divert into his own net under pressure. The Dons 2-1 up, Celtic began to throw everything at the Dons as they tried desperately to get back into the game. The Dons rearguard was resolute with Wallace Brown outstanding at the back, making it to half time ahead and only 15 minutes from glory.
 
The Dons were still looking dangerous on the break and with 8 minutes left the ball was knocked in behind for Andy MacLennan to race in on goal. A drop of the shoulder and he put the goalkeeper the wrong way and the Dons were in dreamland, 3-1 up and surely Cup Winners. A full pitch invasion from the bench and 11 man “pile on” celebration  resulted. In hindsight this might have been a bit premature, as from the restart Celtic worked the ball well before scoring with a 30 yard rocket of their own. 3-2 and with 7 minutes to go the Dons defended like their lives depended on it, with Craig Duncan pulling off a stunning save in the last minute to secure the trophy. The final whistle eventually came and the Dons had pulled off a famous league and cup double, something that rivals Middlesbrough and Celtic have failed to achieve.

Captain Andy Smith stepped up to collect the trophy after congratulating Celtic for their part in a game described as “the highest standard APFSCIL Cup Final of all time” by one of the attending league officials.
 
The London Dons run 2 teams in the APFSCIL Sunday afternoon leagues. We are always looking to add new players to both squads so if you are a Dons fan in London please get in touch via the Rob Roy Reds facebook page or by emailing robroyreds@hotmail.com

As well as the Football teams, the club has an active social scene including golf days and watching the Dons on TV in London. Last year we took over 100 fans to the Cup Final and will be organising trips to Europe again next season.