Inverurie Locos secure narrow victory in Aberdeenshire Shield clash

A late penalty seals the win for Inverurie Locos in a thrilling encounter.

In a gripping encounter at Harlaw Park, Inverurie Locos managed to break their four-game winless streak by defeating Aberdeen 2-1 in the first round of the Morrison Motors (Turriff) Aberdeenshire Shield. The match was marked by intense moments and a late penalty that ultimately decided the outcome.

Match Overview

The game started with Aberdeen taking an early lead, showcasing their dominance in the first few minutes. A well-placed corner from Fletcher Boyd was converted by Fraser Mackie, putting the Dons ahead just five minutes into the match.

However, as the first half progressed, Inverurie began to find their rhythm, equalizing through Cole Anderson after a mistake by the Aberdeen goalkeeper, Rodrigo Vitols.

The match was characterized by end-to-end action, resembling a basketball game at times. Both teams had opportunities to score, with Inverurie hitting the crossbar and Aberdeen coming close on multiple occasions. The tension built as the second half unfolded, with both sides pushing for a decisive goal.

Decisive Moments

In the 90th minute, the game took a dramatic turn when Timothy Akindileni fouled Anderson in the box, leading to a penalty for Inverurie. Paul Coutts stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, securing the victory for his team. Despite the late goal, Aberdeen nearly forced a penalty shootout when Marshall struck the left post in stoppage time, highlighting the narrow margin of victory.

Inverurie manager Dean Donaldson expressed mixed feelings about the performance, acknowledging that while the win was crucial, the team did not play to their full potential. He stated, “I wasn’t happy with how we played. In the first 25 to 30 minutes, I thought we were as poor as we’ve been in a long time.” However, he was pleased with the resilience shown by his players, especially after a series of disappointing results.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Inverurie Locos advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Formartine United at North Lodge Park. Donaldson remains optimistic about his team’s chances, stating, “On our day we can beat anyone, but it will be a difficult test against Formartine.” The upcoming match promises to be a challenging encounter as both teams vie for a place in the next round of the Shield.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen’s manager Scott Anderson reflected on the missed opportunities, emphasizing the need for his players to learn from their mistakes. “You can’t miss the opportunities we missed and give away two soft goals. It’s a harsh lesson and an opportunity missed because we did a lot right in the game,” he remarked.