Keith vs Aberdeen U21

Ega's 57th-minute header — a second goal from a set-piece — was decisive. Aberdeen had started the second half with renewed energy and territorial dominance, but the centre-back's powerful header from a deep free kick effectively killed the contest before the hour mark. A young side chasing a two-goal deficit against experienced Highland League opposition never truly looked like recovering.

• Jordan Cooper (Keith) — Opened the scoring with a poacher's finish from close range and was a constant nuisance, almost bagging a third late on with a solo run that only the side netting denied.

• Lawrence Ega (Keith) — Scored the decisive second goal with a towering header from a free kick, and his physical presence at both ends of the pitch proved too much for Aberdeen's young defence.

• JJ Hulse (Aberdeen XI) — The liveliest attacking threat for the visitors, repeatedly cutting inside from the left and forcing Keith to defend deep. His 20-yard effort that whistled past the post was Aberdeen's best chance.

• Andrew Fasanya (Aberdeen XI) — Created the best first-half opening with clever footwork in the box to set up Chikomo, and continued to probe after the break.

Player of the Match: Lawrence Ega (Keith)

Keith's two goals came from their only sustained periods of pressure — a low cross from open play and a deep free kick — highlighting their clinical edge. Aberdeen's dominance in possession and territory, particularly in the first half and after the second goal, produced several half-chances (Hulse's shot, McLean's looping effort, Duncan's low cross) but no clear-cut xG spike. The 2-0 scoreline flattered neither side: Keith took their chances, Aberdeen did not.

Keith FC, of the Highland League, continued their pre-season preparations with a second home friendly in four days after facing Maud FC on 11 July. The victory over a professional club's development side — however young — will build confidence ahead of the 2026/27 Highland League campaign.

For Aberdeen, this was the second friendly in four days for their development squad, following a 1-1 draw with Rothes on 7 July and a 2-0 win over Inverurie Loco Works on 11 July. The first team, meanwhile, kicked off their competitive season on the same evening with a 2-0 win over Brora Rangers in the Scottish League Cup group stage. Aberdeen's next development fixture is unconfirmed, while the first team host Queen's Park in the League Cup on 1 August.

A textbook pre-season friendly: a young, technically sharper side dominated possession but lacked a cutting edge, while an experienced, physically stronger Highland League team scored twice from first-half and second-half openings and saw the game out comfortably. Keith's set-piece threat and Cooper's movement were the difference. Aberdeen's youngsters will have learned more from the defeat than they would from a routine win.