Kilmarnock 2-2 Aberdeen | Under 18s

MATCH REPORT: Kilmarnock U18s 2–2 Aberdeen U18s
Friday 18th April 2025 | BBSP Stadium, Rugby Park

Kilmarnock Under-18s played out a 2-2 draw with Aberdeen Under-18s at BBSP Rugby Park on Friday, with striker Samuel Duruh netting a brace.

The young Killie side started brightly and carved out the game’s first chance in the 6th minute when Duruh rose well to meet a cross but sent his header just over the bar. Moments later, winger Cole Burke powered his way into the box and unleashed a driven shot that also flew narrowly over.

Despite Kilmarnock’s positive start, Aberdeen opened the scoring in spectacular fashion in the 12th minute with a long-range strike from near the halfway line that caught the home side off guard.

Killie responded well to the setback. Cody Martin produced a vital goal-line clearance in the 18th minute to keep the deficit at one, and just two minutes later, the hosts found their equaliser. Duruh pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted home from close range to make it 1-1.

The momentum stayed with Killie as captain Archie Traynor curled an effort just wide in the 24th minute. Michael Mullen then produced a brilliant reflex save from 12 yards to deny Aberdeen and ensure the sides stayed level.

After a sustained spell of pressure, Duruh struck again, this time showing great composure to finish and put Killie 2-1 ahead going into the break.

Aberdeen reclaimed the lead 10 minutes after the restart with another moment of individual quality, this time scoring directly from a free kick to make it 2-1.

The Dons found an equaliser in the 55th minute with another moment of quality, scoring directly from a well-taken free kick to make it 2-2.

Both sides pushed for a winner, but despite late changes and fresh legs introduced from the bench, neither team could find a decisive third goal.

Kilmarnock U18s Starting XI:
Mullen; Watson (Law 71’), Gilmour, Spence, Martin (Feeney 80’); Traynor (McMillan 80’), Davis, Eaglesham; Duruh (McKeown 46’), Marchant, Burke (Simpson 71’)