Aberdeen U20s went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Ross County in Peterhead on Monday evening.

It was always going to be a tough test against a County side who have been top of the Development League for much of the season and are closing in on a potential title. The Dons task though got even harder after having to play three quarters of the game with ten men when skipper Jamie Henry was sent off.

So despite the defeat there were positives for Paul Sheerin to take from the game:

“We asked the players to be disciplined within the structure we gave them at half-time. I thought we did that other than obviously when we lost the penalty. On that occasion we gave up possession and then we were a bit slack at the back. Actually looking back at the incident, the initial contact was outside the box but the County player’s momentum takes him into the area.

“That is not a criticism of the referee as it was a tough one to call. When looking back at the incident, we have the luxury of slow motion.

“It was frustrating for the boys to lose the penalty in the manner that we did. So I am frustrated for them more than anything else as they worked very hard.

“The players were very disciplined.

“Could we have done more to get something out of the game? Possibly.

“I thought if we could create one little chance we could nick something. Harlain had a header and Frank was unlucky with his turn and shot when we did get bodies forward.

“We went to a back four to try and get us up the park a bit as opposed to a three. We huffed and puffed but did not really create anything clear cut.

“So it was just finding a way to get after them that we could maybe have done a bit better with but in terms of keeping their shape and restricting Ross County to very few chances, the players did well. Apart from the penalty they only really had one real chance when Harlain headed the ball off the line although I think David had it covered. So that was pleasing.

“I pointed out in the dressing room after the game to the boys that they worked hard to ensure David in goals had a quiet game so that they deserve credit for that. He had one shot from the edge of the area to save but they never carved us open and that is testament to the way we defended. As a unit they were good.

“Again in terms of improvement and playing as a team there was a lot to be pleased about.”

Paul's side are back in action on Friday night when they face St Johnstone in Brechin. KO is at 6.00pm.