Hearts U20s recent good run of results came to an end with this defeat at Forfar against a strong Aberdeen side on Tuesday.
The Jambos fielded a mixed side due to injuries, with only Malaury Martin, and to a lesser extent Jamie Brandon and Dario Zanatta, with a bit of experience.
The Dons dominated proceedings for large spells with the Hearts rear-guard under heavy pressure at times.
Brandon, however, suffered what looked like a nasty knee injury on 20 minutes and Andy Kirk was forced into a defensive re-shuffle.
The Dons' opened the scoring on 42 minutes when Sam Cosgrove netted a Greg Stewart right wing cross from close range.
Aberdeen added a second goal on 52 minutes, Nicky Maynard scoring with a shot from the edge of the box, and on 61 minutes Stewart added a third goal with a similar effort.
Overall Hearts created some halve chances but did not really threaten against a very experienced Dons side.
HEARTS: Mason; Logan (Grigor 71), Brandon (Solway 26---King 82),Godinho, Ritchie, Gajda, Morrison, Martin, Henderson, Zanatta, Moore. Subs Unused: Gajda G/K, Leddie, McGill, Doig.
Report by Bill Smith. Image courtesy of Aberdeen FC.