Second-half fightback sees Paisley side fall to defeat
Craig Ritchie
Ten-man St Mirren fell to defeat on a disappointing night in Brechin against their Aberdeen counterparts.
Allan McManus’ Saints side returned to its usual self, with no first-team players making the trip north.
Ethan Erhahon took his place in the midfield following his first-team debut against Raith at the weekend, while Cammy MacPherson also took his spot in the starting 11.
St Mirren got off to a good start, before a red card for Conor McBrearty killed their hopes, with the Dons securing the victory in the second half.
Following a frantic start, Saints were forced into a change, with captain Andrew Macdonald limping off to be replaced by Luke Barclay in 22 minutes.
But their woes were shortlived, with MacPherson handing the Paisley side the lead a minute later when he turned home a cross to open the scoring.
McBrearty was then dismissed following two yellow cards, with a tackle on Dean Campbell earning him an early bath.
The resulting free-kick found Harlain Mbayo at the far post and his header dropped perfectly for Danny Harvie to prod home from six yards.
But, minutes before half-time, Saints found themselves back in front, with Sam Jamieson grabbing the second goal to give Saints hope.
Paul Sheerin’s Aberdeen came out in the second half sensing blood, and Saints keeper David Wilson had to be at his best to produce a fine save from Seb Ross early on.
But the keeper could do nothing about the eventual equaliser after 52 minutes, with Seb Ross providing the finish from a Frank Ross cutback.
Dons continued to pile on the pressure, with Seb Ross having a number of opportunities to his side in front.
Wilson, however, was in great form to make saves from Campbell and Bruce Anderson, with the scores still locked heading into the final eight minutes.
But the boys were not to be denied and Frank Ross produced a fine cross for Anderson, who snuck in at the back past to fire home the go-ahead goal.
And Aberdeen clinched the victory in stoppage time, with Anderson slotting home a penalty after Wilson brought down Ethan Ross.
St Mirren U20s: Wilson, Horne, Macdonald ( Barclay 22), McBrearty, McKendry, Miller, Reilly, Erhahon, Jamieson, MacPherson, Leitch. Unused subs: Henry, Barclay, Breadner, King and Morrison.