Fraserburgh boss Mark Cowie was pleased with how his young players showed up in their 4-0 win over Aberdeen University.
The Broch booked their place in the semi-finals of the Morrison Motors (Turriff) Aberdeenshire Shield courtesy of goals from Ryan Sargent, Logan Watt and a brace from substitute Scott Barbour.
Cowie-handed starts to teenagers Callum Kelly, Kyle Wood, Watt and Zane Laird against the students, on a night where horrendous conditions severely damaged the game as a spectacle.
“It was a case of just giving some young guys an opportunity,” said Cowie. “We made quite a few changes from Saturday and it wasn’t a game for football.
“We had a lot of the ball in the first-half and they set up to stop us getting opportunities. It worked to a large extent – we had a lot of the ball but didn’t move it quick enough.
“The second half was better but you’ve got the wind behind you, so it has to be better.
“It’s got guys minutes. The under-18 guys, it’s given them an insight into what’s required. They’re doing well at that level but the first-team here is a different ball game.
“We’re into the semi-final, which is the prerogative at the start of the night.”
After the Uni kept Fraserburgh for much of the first half, the home side finally got the breakthrough just before half-time as Sargent clipped the ball over Ben Barbour into the corner.
Barbour was replaced at half-time by Frederick Bjerregaard and the replacement stopper had some moments to forget as Fraserburgh extended their advantage.
Their second goal came from a poor kick from Bjerregaard, which allowed Paul Campbell to play through Watt to dink home.
Barbour, on fresh as a substitute just after the hour, then struck inside 30 seconds of being on the field with a shot that went through the goalkeeper’s legs.
He got his second goal after Campbell’s strike was too hot to handle and Barbour was on hand to turn home the rebound.
Cowie was pleased with how the youth players fared, with centre-back Wood putting in an accomplished display at the back.
“Once he got accustomed to the wind in the first half he did well,” added Cowie. “He did really well in the second half.
“Callum (Kelly) played a game on Tuesday for his school so it was tough for him. That’s why he didn’t get the 90 minutes.
“We’ve got a few promising kids at 16-17-year-old that are maybe not quite as ready, so we need to start integrating them into the first-team so they see what it’s all about.
“Hopefully in two or three years, they’ll be ready to go.”
