A thrilling encounter sees Banks o' Dee rise to third place in the league.
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In a thrilling match at Spain Park, Banks o’ Dee emerged victorious against Fraserburgh, winning 3-1 and solidifying their position in the Breedon Highland League. This crucial win propels them back up to third place, just ahead of Inverurie Locos, as the season approaches its conclusion.
Key moments define the match
The match was tightly contested, with both teams creating chances but struggling to find the back of the net in the first half. A standout moment came in the 64th minute when Banks o’ Dee’s goalkeeper, Daniel Hoban, made a crucial save from Fraser Mackie, keeping the score level at 1-1.
This pivotal moment allowed Banks o’ Dee to regain momentum and ultimately secure the win.
Co-manager Josh Winton praised Hoban’s performance, stating, “Daniel had a great save at 1-1, and that’s probably given us the springboard to kick on and win it.” The team’s strategy was clear: to win all three remaining matches to finish the season strongly, and this victory sets them up nicely for that goal.
Match highlights and player performances
The first half saw limited chances, with Andy Hunter’s effort being cleared off the line and Fraserburgh’s Connor Wood narrowly missing the target. However, just before halftime, Banks o’ Dee broke the deadlock with a stunning long-range effort from Max Alexander, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
After the break, Fraserburgh equalized through Scott Barbour, who finished neatly at the back post. But Banks o’ Dee responded quickly, with Andy Hunter scoring from close range following a well-placed corner. The final goal came from Hunter again, sealing the victory with a clever flick from Alexander’s low cross.
Fraserburgh’s struggles and future outlook
This defeat marked the end of a 12-match unbeaten streak for Fraserburgh, who have been struggling with illness among their players. Manager Mark Cowie acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, stating, “We’ve had a tough couple of weeks with guys being ill.” Despite the setback, Cowie remains optimistic about their potential to bounce back in the remaining matches.
As the season draws to a close, both Banks o’ Dee and Fraserburgh will be looking to secure their positions in the league. With only a few matches left, every point is crucial, and the competition is heating up.
