Division One (East) on Saturday 5th May at Balgownie

Portlethen travelled to Balgownie knowing that a victory would take them one step closer to securing promotion to the Premier League.

Although the Abos had nothing meaningful to play for it was the home side who took control of the match in the early stages. Creegan’s decision to play three at the back allowed the Abos to push Gauci forward to support Martin and Fraser. Keeper Clark’s quick distribution allowed Wilson to have a good amount of possession down the left wing. He combined with Gauci and Fraser and forced Portlethen to play the ball long to their forwards instead of their usual passing game.

Munro and Cameron had established control of centre midfield and after more good football down the left the ball was fed to Cameron at the edge of the box. As he looked up he directed the ball towards the top right hand corner of the Portlethen goal but it was well saved by the Porty keeper at full stretch.

Portlethen had a chance to take the lead shortly before half time when Craig gambled on one pass too many at the edge of the Abos eighteen yard box. Despite a goal looking certain Bruce did not hesitate and dispossessed the Porty No.9 before he could get a clear strike on goal.

Half-time: 0 – 0

The Abos started the second half in confident mood but it was clear that Portlethen would work hard to impose themselves and secure the vital three points. They began to commit more men forward down their left wing and the Abos struggled to keep track of the spare men as Porty took control.

After a number of throw-ins Porty were awarded a foul on their left wing. From the resultant free-kick a dangerous ball was driven across the six yard box allowing Portlethen to take the lead from close range.

The Abos tried to compose themselves and Martin continued to work hard to pressurise the Portlethen back four while also bringing Gauci and R Fraser into the match in wide areas.

Porty continued to have the bulk of possession although the Abos had numbers back to defend when a cross was played against Craig in the Abos’ left-back area. As the ball struck Craig’s arm from three yards the referee seemed eager to swiftly award a penalty to Portlethen. An interesting interpretation of ‘deliberately’ handling the ball when it is fired at a player from close range. Porty made no mistake from the penalty spot and took a two-goal lead.

The Abos’ disappointment was clear as Portlethen continued to apply pressure to secure a third and decisive goal. As the Porty left winger stretched to cross the ball it bounced off his shin to safety for the Abos. Despite this (in the opinion of the referee) the ball had struck an Abos defender and a corner was awarded.

The Abos successfully cleared the corner to safety but as the ball made its way up field the referee stopped the game and showed a red card to MacLennan for his continued protests.

The Abos adapted quickly with Munro moving into the back three and Wilson taking up position in centre midfield. The home side began to command possession and created some half chances to get back into the game. Marshall replaced Martin and after some good movement and passing involving Wilson, Gauci and Marshall the ball broke to Craig at the edge of the box. It sat up nicely but his powerful volley gradually swerved wide without troubling the Porty keeper.

The home side continued to commit men forward, fighting for a goal to restore some pride in their performance. The ball broke upfield leaving the Abos defenders exposed and as Clark closed down the attacker the ball squeezed past him to give Portlethen a 3-0 victory.

Full Time: 0 – 3

A disappointing result for Old Aberdonians after they had looked the better side in the first half. A lack of discipline and a thin squad again made it difficult for the Abos to secure a result against the league’s top team. Best wishes to Portlethen as they look likely to secure promotion. With a settled squad of young players they seem well equipped to do well in the Premier League next season.

Old Aberdonians: G Clark, Craig, Bruce, MacLennan, R Fraser, Wilson, Munro, Cameron, Gauci, Martin, S Fraser

Subs – Marshall (for Martin), Creegan (unused)

If interested or for more information, contact David Craig (Club secretary) on 07769 697417 or e-mail secretary@abos.org.uk.

Division One (East) on Wednesday 2nd May at Kaimhill

As Old Aberdonians entered the first of their five remaining league games they knew their results against the top teams could have a major impact on the promotion hopefuls RGU, Portlethen and Luthermuir.

Abos’ promotion push fizzled out in April but they started the game brightly. Former RGU player, Martin was keen to impose himself on the game and worked hard to close down the home team’s back four. Wide men Gauci and Wilson were beginning to find space down the wings but the final ball didn’t find a striker and the RGU goalie was never tested.

The Abos back four were being well marshalled by the floppy haired Beckenbauer-Bruce but when Craig took off on an uncharacteristic mazy run down the left wing it allowed RGU to take advantage of space down their right channel. Despite a goal looking likely Bruce timed his tackle to perfection to send the ball out for a corner.

Much to the amazement of the home side the referee eagerly blew his whistle and awarded a penalty before fully recognising the quality of Bruce’s tackle. Despite ‘Honest Man’ Clark’s protests in the Abos goal the referee placed the ball on the penalty spot. RGU took advantage of this gift to take a 1-0 lead into half-time.

Half-time: 1 – 0

Old Aberdonians were still very much in contention and knew they would have to test the RGU keeper in the second half. Fraser began to find space behind the RGU back four but the ball never seemed to fall to an Abos player in the box.

RGU applied some pressure but the Abos back four worked hard to close down the space and keep the score at 1-0. Excellent tackles by Bruce and Craig were followed by a powerful block by Ashton at the edge of the box. This resulted in an ankle injury for the combative midfielder who had to be replaced by Munro.

As the game became stretched in the second half more space became available and Old Aberdonians made the most of this to equalise. Good work by Cameron in holding possesion saw the ball fed to Wilson who fired a cross into the box. The RGU goalie fumbled the ball to Martin who powerfully fired the ball into the roof of the net against his former team.

RGU pushed men forward as they needed a win to keep their promotion hopes alive. Despite prolonged pressure it seemed that the Abos would escape with a deserved point.

From the final corner of the match the ball was swung into the front post and RGU’s number 11 was able to force the ball into the net much to the disappointment of the hard working Abos.

Full Time: 2 – 1

A battling performance from Old Aberdonians which showed the potential in the squad to play good football while also defending strongly. It was unfortunate that the game was ultimately meaningless for the Abos but there were positive signs on show for the final run of games in the next few weeks.

Old Aberdonians 2 – 2 AC Mill Inn on Saturday 18th February

A slow start by the Abos saw them control the possession but they lacked a cutting edge and rarely threatened the Mill Inn keeper.

A well worked corner by the Stonehaven side caught the Abos unawares and as the ball was driven to the back post the striker was left with an easy header to give Mill Inn the lead.

The Abos rallied at the start of the second half and equalised with a well worked moved finished with a trademark Murt header.

Continued pressure paid off and the home side took the lead after Munro forced home the rebound after Ashton’s penalty was saved.

The Abos appeared to be in control but lost a late goal from the penalty spot leaving them with a solitary point from the match.

Stonehaven Athletic 2 – 1 Old Aberdonians on Saturday 25th February

The Abos were determined to make amends for the loss of two points the previous week but a loss of concentration saw them go a goal down after ten minutes.

A quick throw-in caught Craig by surprise and as the ball was flicked across goal the Stonehaven forward timed his run perfectly to skilfully place the ball into the corner of the net.

The return of Marshall and Pocock was having an effect on the Abos’ ability to create chances but a number of opportunities were struck narrowly off target or fell comfortably into the safe hands of the home side’s keeper.

The Abos stuck to their task in the second half and the pressure finally paid off when a trademark run by Pocock culminated in him forcing the ball in at the near post to equalise.

It looked like Old Aberdonians would go on to win the match as they continued to be in the ascendancy. When a penalty was awarded the confident Pocock stepped up and despite a powerful strike he could not find the target and the ball nestled in the trees behind the goal.

Almost immediately things went from bad to worse for the visitors. A fumbled throw by Murt inside the Abos half fell to a Stonehaven player and the resulting confusion saw the Abos defenders hesitate to clear the ball. There was no delay in the minds of the Stonehaven forwards and they quickly played the ball up the wing before squaring to give Stonehaven an unlikely victory.

The game marked a disappointing end to Murt’s Abos career as he has now departed to pursue a business venture in his native Cornwall. ‘Murteeee’ contributed some excellent goals, a quality accent and a good sense of humour to the Abos squad.

Old Aberdonians 2 – 3 Newmachar United on Saturday 10th March

Old Aberdonians started this match with a tremendous level of commitment and pace. They were soon rewarded with the opening goal when the ball was played into the penalty box. Fraser played it into the path of Cameron and his powerful strike nestled in the back of the net.

The Abos continued to play a good range of passing football with the return of Murison at left-back and the debut of Gauci on the wing contributing to a number of chances. Just when it seemed the Abos would add to their lead the season’s curse of the freak goal struck the home side.

As MacLeod tried to start a quick attack by feeding the ball to Johnston he struck the ball against the back of Abos’ Craig. The Newmachar forward reacted quickly and calmly slotted the ball into the empty net to secure an undeserved equaliser.

Old Aberdonians did not let the loss of a goal impact on their performance and some more controlled football saw the ball worked to striker Cameron on the edge of the box. The Newmachar defenders appeared to have closed him down but as he flicked the ball into his own path he unleashed a powerful volley into the top corner leaving the away side’s keeper stranded and giving the Abos a 2-1 lead.

Just as it seemed that the goal had secured a half-time lead, the ball broke to the aggressive Newmachar forward. Although he seemed to be too far out to cause any concerns for the home defence he let fly with a shot and as the wind took hold of the ball it swerved into the top corner to equalise for Newmachar.

Old Aberdonians dominated the second half and continued to work hard to secure a deserved winner. After struggling to create many clear chances the Abos worked to pressurise the ball and regain possession.

This paid off for the hard working Gauci when the ball broke to the debutant on the left channel. He made the most of his pace and drove towards goal before slotting the ball through the keeper’s legs giving the Abos a well deserved 3-2 victory.

The valuable three points sees Old Aberdonians edging closer to the promotion places before the hectic run in towards the end of the league campaign.

Division One (East) on Saturday 11th February at Balgownie

The Abos played their first league fixture since mid October due to a combination of cup games and poor weather. MS Utd were the opponents who the Abos had edged 3-1 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

It was the away side who were quickest out the blocks and dominated the opening exchanges. Within 5 minutes they almost scored, reacting quickest at a corner only to see the close range volley hit the bar. It wasn’t long before they took the lead and it was the lively Robb who got the goal. The ball was won in midfield and the early through ball released the speedy striker whose finish past MacLeod took a slight deflection off MacArthur.

The goal seemed to spark the home team into life and there were a few half chances in the following period. Wilson had a shot saved, Stewart Fraser could only shoot straight at the keeper when through on goal, Cameron saw a couple of shots from the edge of the area miss the target and Rory Fraser saw his cut back find the keeper with Murt free in the box.

The equaliser did come, in slightly controversial circumstances. The MS right back appeared to win a clean tackle before accidently coming together with Wilson. The referee gave a free kick on the edge of the box and it was the Abos skipper whose shot went through the wall and into the net.

With their tails up they almost took the lead before the break. This time Wilson appeared on the right wing and his cross found Cameron who saw his shot well saved with the keeper getting down low to his left.

Half-Time: 1 – 1

It was the Abos who continued to look the more threatening in the second period. Robb was the only real threat for MS Utd but the Abos defence were looking relatively comfortable with Bruce showing a lot of composure in his unusual role at centre back.

A good move down the right involving both Frasers saw the ball played into Wilson on the edge of the box, his lay off was hit first time by Cameron but was just inches away from finding the top corner.

The pressure continued and after Cameron was fouled 25 yards out it was Wilson again whose well struck set piece was brilliantly tipped onto the post by the keeper.

As MS struggled to clear their lines it was Ashton who spotted Cameron’s run from deep and played the ball over the static defence into his path. With the away team screaming for offside Cameron had plenty of time to round the keeper and knock the ball into the empty net.

Within minutes it was 3-1, again it was Ashton the creator. This time his slide rule pass was perfect for Murt who held off the defender and poked the ball past the advancing keeper with the outside of his right foot.

Manager Creegan immediately made a change with Wyness replacing Rory Fraser and Ashton moving to the right of midfield. The change seemed to unsettle the Abos as they were all over the place for the next 10 minutes, unable to keep possession and under the cosh.

Having weathered the storm they did get another huge piece of luck to seal the game. Cameron played in Wilson in the left channel however his run was well tracked by his opposite man. The two players came together and although there was contact there were no claims for a penalty by anyone only for the referee to point to the spot to the amazement of everyone on the pitch. He then had to withstand a couple of minutes of major abuse from the MS players before Ashton stepped up and smashed the penalty down the middle.

MacLennan replaced Murt for the final 10 minutes and almost added a fifth although his close range header from man of the match Ashton’s excellent cross was comfortably saved.

There was still time for one final goal. The scorer was Cameron and it was a carbon copy of his first. Ashton played the ball over the top, the whole MS team screamed for offside then 20 players stood and watched as Cameron dribbled up to the keeper, nonchalantly rounded him and completed the scoring.

The 5-1 scoreline was probably not a true story of the game with MS matching their opponents for the first hour and being unlucky with some of the referee decision.

Full Time: 5 – 1

Old Aberdonians: I. MacLeod, B. Munro, S. Johnston, A. Bruce, I. MacArthur, G. Ashton, R. Fraser (S. Wyness), A. Cameron, S. Fraser, J. Murt (G. MacLennan) E. Wilson. Unused – R. Stainthorpe

Goals (Assists): Wilson (n/a), Cameron (Ashton), Murt (Ashton), Ashton pen (Wilson), Cameron (Ashton)

Association Trophy Third Round on Saturday 21st January at Catto Park

Old Aberdonians travelled to Cove’s Catto Park knowing they would face a tough test against the Premier League side. The Abos lined up facing a strong wind and sleet showers but looked to have a well-balanced line up as they kicked off.

After some scrappy passing in the first few minutes the Abos were suddenly one goal down. A harmless Cove through ball seemed to be on its way into the hands of MacLeod but as he bent to collect the ball an unfortunate bobble saw it slip through his grasp. The alert Cove striker was left with a simple task to roll the ball into an empty net from five yards.

The Abos continued to try to stick to their usual style of football but perhaps should have adapted more quickly to the conditions. After some decent football they quickly lost possession leaving the back four exposed as Cove attacked down the slope. Rory Fraser appeared to have got himself into a position to clear the danger but the conditions and uncertainty again conspired to allow Cove to take a two goal lead.

The away side had almost exited the cup before they had even troubled the Cove keeper but despite the early setbacks the Abos began to force their way into the match. The midfield four secured more possession and Henderson and Wilson were beginning to trouble the Cove full-backs.

Despite this improved play another break away resulted in a third goal for Cove. After working the ball on to the left wing a quick shot skidded off the surface into the net via the near post taking keeper MacLeod by surprise.

The Abos had taken encouragement from some of the possession football they had played before the loss of the third goal and deservedly pulled a goal back just before half-time. More strong running down the right by Henderson saw space open up in the final third and he played the ball across the penalty area towards Murt. The ball fell slightly behind the striker but Wilson had joined the attack and drove the ball back across goal into the bottom right corner of the net to make it 3-1.

Despite the difficult first half the Abos sensed they were still in it and now had the advantage of the slope and the strong wind behind them. The game began to become scrappy as the referee’s youthful enthusiasm and inventiveness saw Cove’s number 18 booked for a dive in the Abos penalty area when most onlookers expected him to point to the penalty spot after a tug by Abo’s Bruce.

As the Abos began to control possession it was again Henderson who was involved in the build up to their second goal. After good work by Cameron and Ashton in midfield Henderson closed in on goal and as he went round the keeper he was tripped resulting in a penalty for Old Aberdonians. Ashton stepped up and calmly fired the ball into the net to give the away side hope as the game entered the closing stages.

Some more pressure for the Abos saw the ball fired across goal by Craig but there were no takers. An excellent drive by Ashton was then tipped around the post by the Cove keeper when the ball seemed destined for the net.

As the game entered the closing stages Clark replaced Craig and the Abos committed more men to the attack. This was rewarded with a few minutes remaining when the ball broke to MacArthur who struck a magnificent drive from fully thirty yards into the corner of the net to equalise the match at 3-3.

As extra-time kicked off Old Aberdonians’ commitment and work rate had taken its toll and having used all of their substitutes it was left to the same eleven players who finished the match to battle for a result.

Things looked up for the away side when more dissent from Cove’s number 5 saw him heading to the changing rooms early after he was shown his second yellow card. This seemed to fire up the remaining Cove players and a quick break away saw a clever through ball cutting open the Abos defence and a calm finish made it 4-3 to Thistle.

The Abos continued to battle for a result and this time it was Stewart Fraser who was rewarded for his excellent work rate throughout the match. As the ball broke to the striker at the edge of the box he calmly looked up, picked his spot and guided the ball into the top corner of the net with his left foot. An excellent goal to tie the match at 4-4.

There was little incident of note in the second half of extra-time and the game appeared to be heading for a penalty shoot-out as the Abos defence stood firm. Some pressure from Cove resulted in a number of corners which posed little threat but a lack of communication at the near post saw confusion at the front post. To the surprise and disappointment of the away side the ball bounced into the net giving Cove the vital goal for a 5-4 victory.

Old Aberdonians should be proud of the effort, commitment and teamwork that went into this competitive match against a team challenging for the Premier League but will be disappointed that several of the Cove goals came about after mistakes. The goals from MacArthur and Fraser should be kept in mind by the goal of the season judging panel at the end of the season.

Old Aberdonians – MacLeod, R Fraser, Craig, Good, MacArthur, Ashton, Henderson, Cameron, S Fraser, Murt, Wilson. Subs – Bruce (R Fraser), D Clark (Craig)

Aberdeen FC Trophy Third Round on Saturday 3rd December at Balgownie

Old Aberdonians continued their recent run of cup ties with a home game against Alford in the Aberdeen F.C. Trophy. It appeared to be a favourable tie on paper but Alford went into the game showing a good run of form in Division 2 (North).

The Abos dominated possession in the first half but they failed to create any clear chances as Alford seemed content to soak up the pressure and attack on the break. Space began to open up on the right wing where Munro and Marshall combined to deliver crosses into the box.

After a number of corners the home side came close to opening the scoring when the ball somehow managed to stay out of Alford’s net despite MacArthur appearing to do enough to secure a precious lead.

Murison replaced Russell at half time and Old Aberdonians started the half strongly with a greater sense of purpose and pace to their passing. Wilson and Murison were getting the better of the Alford right back but despite a number of positive attacking moves no clear chances materialised.

Alford were able to hold the ball up successfully in forward areas and a period of pressure secured a corner for the away side. An accurate, driven cross was met powerfully by the Alford No. 6 giving his side a 1-0 lead.

Old Aberdonians continued to maintain the majority of possession but a lack of quality movement and a failure to stretch the Alford defence meant they failed to seriously test the Division 2 side.

Alford seemed to grow stronger as the final whistle approached and their tactics and commitment paid off to see them into the fourth round of the cup.

Old Aberdonians – MacLeod, Munro, Russell, Craig, MacArthur, Ashton, Marshall, Cameron, Fraser, Murt, Wilson. Subs – Murison (Russell), Johnston (Murison), Boutillier (Munro)

Association Trophy Second Round on Saturday 26th November at Hazlehead

Despite the mild weather and bright sunshine the Abos took to the field for their warm up wishing they had their wellies rather than their football boots. The tight, heavy pitch could have presented a problem for the away side but they were determined to impose themselves in the early stages.

With the high winds playing a part it took some time for either side to settle. Lads Club favoured a long ball game and as the passes held up in the breeze Clark did well to collect the ball despite pressure from the home side’s forwards.

The Abos began to secure more controlled possession and Henderson was making progress on the right wing. Marshall and Fraser were finding it hard to run at the Lads Club defence as the ball stuck in the mud allowing the home defenders to make the most of sliding tackles.

MacArthur and Craig realised that they could assist in attack as they failed to be put under pressure at the back. After MacArthur broke up an attack Craig picked up possession on the edge of the Lads Club penalty box and worked the ball to Wilson. The Abos captain picked out Henderson at the back post and the Tarves Telly Savalas did well to compose himself before squaring the ball to his lookalike Marshall who finished calmly giving the Abos a half-time lead.

Lads Club took control of the early stages of the second half and pinned the Abos in their own half. The wind had picked up and as the home team’s midfielders joined the attack Old Aberdonians were forced to defend for long spells. Space began to open up on the left for Russell but it became increasingly difficult to maintain possession as the pitch cut up.

Fraser and Marshall upped their work rate realising that they were unlikely to be supplied with any quality passes. “Toepoke” Fraser was rewarded for his commitment when he fought to keep the ball in to prevent a goal kick for Lads Club. Despite the protests of the ‘keeper the Abos forward forced the ball into the six yard box where it struck the hand of a Lads Club defender. The referee instantly awarded a penalty and although it appeared to be “ball to hand” it was probably the correct decision. Ashton stepped up and did well to send the keeper the wrong way while driving the ball low into the net.

The Abos appeared to be in a comfortable position but Lads Club knew they were capable of getting back into the game. They committed more men into attacking positions and when Abos’ Clark shouted for a long ball there appeared to be no danger. As the ball approached the custodian it seemed to stick in the mud and trundled through the keeper’s legs. The Lads Club striker accepted the gift to get his team back into the match.

Old Aberdonians replied in brilliant fashion when Marshall’s perseverance was rewarded. He dispossessed the Lads Club defenders before advancing into the penalty area and finishing clinically restoring a two goal cushion. Boutillier replaced Ashton in centre midfield and narrowly failed to connect with a cross after linking well with Henderson.

Lads Club continued to fight for a lifeline in the closing stages and after a fortunate ricochet the ball fell into the path of the home team’s No.9 who showed his class with a good quality finish.

The referee soon blew the final whistle to the relief of Old Aberdonians. The Abos deserved their victory on a heavy pitch which provided ideal preparation for the next round against Cove at Catto Park.

Old Aberdonians – D Clark, Munro, Russell, Craig, MacArthur, Ashton, Henderson, Cameron, Marshall, Fraser, Wilson – Subs – Boutillier (Ashton) Unused – Wyness, Good, McLennan

North of Scotland Cup Second Round on Saturday 19th November at Kintore

Old Aberdonians returned to cup action as they faced Kintore in the North of Scotland Cup. Having already defeated the Premier side earlier in the season the away side were confident but not complacent as they started on the heavy, sloping surface.

The Abos immediately took control of the match and moved the ball quickly through the back four and the midfield. After some skilful running by Fraser the ball broke to the lively Wilson at the edge of the box and he guided the ball into the corner of the net to make it 1-0.

Kintore failed to respond and it was all way one way traffic as Munro and Henderson made the most of the acres of space on the right wing. After some intricate passing a dangerous cross caused panic in the Kintore defence and the central defender turned the ball past his own keeper to make it 0-2.

Wilson seemed to be making the most of the space in midfield areas and was determined to add to his goal tally for the day. Cameron, Ashton and Marshall were causing constant problems for Kintore and when the ball was fed to Wilson he looked up and fired the ball high into the net giving the custodian no chance.

Continued pressure was forcing the home team into some careless fouls around the edge of the penalty area. Just before half-time a free kick was played to the back post and the Kintore defenders were posted missing. Cameron controlled the bouncing ball and powered a shot into the net to make it 4-0 at half-time.

Half-time: 0-4

Murt replaced Marshall at half-time and took advantage of the continued supply of possession provided by Russell down the left wing. Kintore showed a little more determination to get back into the game but any half chances were comfortably dealt with by MacLeod in the Abos’ goal.

Creegan reminded the Abos not to be complacent and the away side improved as the ball remained in the Kintore half for prolonged periods. After the home side’s defenders failed to clear the ball it broke to Ashton who showed his class with a composed finish.
Space continued to allow Murt and Wilson to combine down the left wing and after breaking into the box the Abo’s captain rolled the ball into the path of Fraser who scored with an accurate finish.

Kintore continued to spiral towards defeat and after questioning the referee’s performance worse was to come when the Abos were awarded a penalty after another clumsy challenge by the home side’s right back. It was all too much for the chunky Kintore centre half and after expressing his disgust at the referee he was rewarded with a red card and first choice of the beers and pies in the pavilion. Wilson secured his hat-trick with a powerful penalty high into the net as the keeper dived the wrong way.

A comfortable and composed performance by the Abos secured progress into the third round of the North of Scotland Cup showing they have the potential to challenge for honours this season.

Full Time: 0-7

Old Aberdonians – MacLeod, Munro, Russell, Craig, MacArthur, Ashton, Henderson, Cameron, Marshall, Fraser, Wilson

Subs – Murt (Marshall), D Clark (Ashton), Murison (unused)

Old Aberdonians 2 – 3 Lochend

Scottish Amateur Cup Third Round on Saturday 5th November at Balownie

Old Aberdonians faced Lochend AFC from Edinburgh in the third round of the Scottish Cup at Balgownie. The visitors were something of an unknown quantity but their pedigree in the Sunday Scottish Amateur Cup suggested the Abos would not have an easy afternoon.

After some slack passing in the opening stages Old Aberdonians settled into the match and deservedly took the lead. After making good use of the space in wide areas the ball was worked to Wilson who finished accurately.

Lochend seemed to be struggling defensively but always posed a threat with their No.10 enjoying a free role in midfield. The Abos seemed to be comfortably dealing with any threats but when possession was given away inside the home team’s half Lochend capitalised. Accurate passing and intelligent movement off the ball allowed space to open up and the ball was clinically finished to tie the match.

Old Aberdonians did not allow their heads to go down and quickly re-established their lead. A quick break involving several Abos players resulted in the ball falling to the influential Cameron. Despite Lochend managing to get bodies behind the ball the Abos midfielder combined accuracy with power to ensure the ball nestled in the net to give the Abos a 2-1 half-time lead.

Half-time: 2-1

Despite the positive score-line Old Aberdonians failed to start the second half with confidence and Lochend began to take control of possession. Constant pressure soon took its toll on the Abos’ defence and although Lochend did not test MacLeod the ball found its way into the net for the equaliser. When the ball landed in the home side’s penalty area Macarthur was first to the ball but his clearance ricocheted off the Lochend centre forward and into the net.

Lochend seemed to be the only team who looked likely to score the decisive winning goal. When their left winger picked up the ball thirty yards out he evaded the Abos defenders with ease, advanced into the penalty area and smashed the ball into the top right hand corner of the net. The fantastic strike gave Macleod no chance but the Abos’ defending was very disappointing.

With little appetite for a replay Old Aberdonians seemed to fade in the closing stages of the match.
A late, dangerous tackle on Abos’ Barr provided the final talking point of the match. Frustration seemed to get the better of the diminutive midfielder and after some pushing and shoving between the two players both Barr and the Lochend midfielder were red carded.

Inexplicably, the Lochend No.9 also got involved in the fracas and after swinging his arm at Craig he was also sent off. After questioning the referee’s honesty it is unlikely the Lochend centre forward will feature on the pitch until well into 2012.

Old Aberdonians failed to make the most of the numerical advantage and lacked the quality and commitment to score a third goal. They exited the Scottish Cup with little credit and can only be thankful that they will avoid a fixture pile up over the winter months.

Full Time: 2-3

Old Aberdonians – MacLeod, Johnston, Murison, Craig, MacArthur, Barr, Henderson, Cameron, Murt, Marshall, Wilson.

Subs – Russell, Ashton, Fraser. Unused – Robertson, Boutillier