Inverurie Locos claimed their second Morrison Motors (Turriff) Aberdeenshire Shield in three years following a thrilling final at Christie Park in Huntly tonight.
Three goals in nine first half minutes put Locos firmly in control against Banks o’Dee who did pull one goal back before the break.
Banks o’Dee reduced the deficit with another goal at the start of the second half but Locos hit back strongly to secure victory and deny their opponents from becoming the first junior side to win the shield since its reintroduction in 1990.
Both sides had been impressive in reaching the final.
Banks o’Dee beat Buckie Thistle, Formartine United and Turriff United while Locos took the scalps of Deveronvale and Huntly to secure their place at Christie Park.
The junior club were without veteran forward Jamie Watt who sat out the game due to suspension while Locos named their veteran forward Martin Bavidge on the bench.
It was the Highland League side which threatened first through Neil McLean but the Locos captain dragged his shot wide from the edge of the box.
In a competitive opening chances were at a premium but Locos’ attacking midfielder Jordan Leyden was a constant threat down the left for his side.
His direct style led to Locos taking the lead in the 25th minute as he won his side a corner and defender Ross Anderson headed home the opener from McLean’s delivery.
It took just five minutes for Inverurie to double their lead and it was forward Andy Hunter who got it, the attacker showing great composure to capitalise on Craig Duguid’s mistimed clearance to beat goalkeeper Andy Shearer and roll the ball into the net despite the efforts of the home defence on the line.
Locos were well on top and the pressure told on the junior side as they conceded a third goal when Leyden got to the byeline before crossing the ball to Hunter who fired home his second of the game.
It looked ominous for Banks o’Dee but a superb solo run from Michael Philpson took him past four Locos players and he finished in style with a rising shot past goalkeeper Scott Mathieson to give his side a lifeline four minutes from the break.
Inverurie, having let their opponents back into the game, were in no mood to offer them fresh impetus and they stood firm in the final half hour to spark the celebrations.
