Budgie Brace Breaks Hearts

Last updated : 25 August 2005 By Stand Free Ed

Aberdeen reserves notched up a 2-1 win over Hearts at Links Park on Wednesday night. John 'Budgie' Stewart, who has become a target for the ever-present Dons boo-boys this season, scored a quick first-half brace to secure the victory.

The Dons' second string dominated the opening 45 minutes and raced to a two-goal lead within 12 minutes of kick-off. Scott Muirhead was provider for both goals from the left-hand channel - the first a powerful run and cross for Budgie to flash a header into the far corner of the goal, and the second a similarly impressive cross that Steven Craig sclaffed allowing Budgie to slam in the rebound.

Muirhead's performance clearly impressed the watching Dons coaching staff enough for them to substitute him at half time, presumably to save him for the full team's SPL fixture at home to Falkirk on Saturday. The second half was more even, and Hearts pulled one goal back on the hour but fit-again Andrew Considine and Donald were not troubled unduly as the Dons held out comfortably for the rest of the game.

Hopefully Budgie's goals will give him the confidence to prove the Dons doubters wrong in the future, as the club looks less and less likely to pick up a striker before the transfer window closes.

Aberdeen Reserves: Langfield, Donald, Muirhead (Thomson 45), Neill, Considine, Thomas, Foster, Macaulay, Craig, Stewart, Bagshaw (Kiely 68)