Match report: Banks O' Dee 2-2 St Johnstone U18s (Banks O' Dee win on pens)

Our under-18s were edged out by Banks O' Dee on penalties in the third round of the Scottish Youth Cup on Thursday evening.

Murray Binnie and Jacob Fleming had us two to the good at the interval but the youngsters from Aberdeen showed character to fight back late in the day.

We had made a solid start to the tie and were ahead with just 10 minutes on the clock at Spain Park.

Brodie Dair’s initial effort had fallen perfectly for Binnie who, still with a lot to do, sent a composed first-time volley into the far corner of the net.

It continued an impressive run of form for the attacker following on from his winning strike against Livingston last week.

Dair attempted to double the advantage shortly after and sent a powerful drive towards goal. Perth appeals for a handball were waved away by the referee.

Midfielder James Muir was next up to try his luck and threatened on two occasions, first with a header before a dipping volley was unable to drop underneath the crossbar.

Completing a hat-trick of chances, a wonderful team move resulted in Muir breaking deep into the box but again he was denied by a determined home goalkeeper.

Despite the majority of opportunities falling for Saints, the hosts did have a couple of promising sights of goal but the final finish was missing.

We doubled the advantage just before the whistle for the break when, after a slight scramble in the box, Fleming was positioned nicely to prod home from close range.

Banks O’ Dee started to see more of the ball in forward areas in the second half and the Saints defence was required to hold strong.

Fresh legs were introduced as the half progressed but, for large spells, clear-cut chances were few and far between.

The hosts, however, found an extra gear in the latter stages and netted twice in the final 10 minutes before edging the penalty shootout.