Dons side in Grant’s big game

the manager toldmea couple of years ago there was a newdeal with a testimonial in the second year.”

The youthful Dons lineup included trialist goalkeeper Nicolas Pistol and defender Harlaine Mbayo, with manager Paul Sheerin taking the chance to run the rule over possible additions to his under-20 side.

Pistol was forced into early saves from Forres midfieldersNeilWhyteand Kyle Scott but the best early chance fell to Aberdeen after 12 minutes when Aaron Norris played in Bruce Anderson, but he slipped his shot just wide.

At the other end, Mbayo was dispossessed inside his own penalty box by Scott on 34 minutes but the defender’s blushesweresaved by goalkeeper Pistol, who made a fine save.

Forres goalkeeper Stuart Knight was called into action four minutes later, beating Jamie Henry’s deflected effort wide, before Scott McKenna prodded wide from the resulting.

The Dons took the lead four minutes into the second half when the impressive Norris latched on to a through ball before sliding the ball past the onrushing Knight from 18 yards.

Having established the lead, the Reds were inches away from doubling their advantage after 57 minutes when Jamie Henry curled just over.

Knight had to make another good save after 68 minutes, thwarting Dons forward Joe Nuttal .

Forres substitute goalkeeper Steven Simpson also had to show quick reactions to deny Nuttal, while at the other end Nikki Grant struck straight at Pistol when she was clean through on goal.

five-year-old son Ellis, is applauded on to the pitch before his testimonial match against Aberdeen

Callum Antell: Parents are travelling fromWales Saturday’s Menzies Distribution North of Scotland Cup final at Dudgeon Park, Brora, sees Nairn County pit their wits againstWick Academy. In the semi-finals County edged out Forres Mechanics by a single...