Balmoral Stadium, Aberdeen FC Trophy Final, 10/6/25
Me still 346, Wee Man still 206
A choice for the Wee Man tonight, Cullen v Lhanbryde United in the Moray and District Welfare, Drumoak and Durris v Alford in the Mid Deeside Sandison Cup or a trip to one of his most visited grounds. Interestingly since moving house recently all three games were exactly 45 minutes from home according to Google Maps. Obviously the latter was chosen and to be honest I fancied watching this too as Kincorth in their search for the grand slam have three games in the next week to try and secure the remaining three trophies. We cannot attend the next two matches due to Wee Man’s own fitba commitments so this one would be drawing the curtain down on the AAFA campaign for us. Another interesting point of note, this is the first season since I chucked my season ticket at Pittodrie (after 2018/19) that the Highland League has not been the most viewed set up as the amateurs is way ahead this campaign. Clearly aided by two things, the more frequent following of Ellon Thistle and associated games this while being stuck at home from work due to bloody visa issues. But there have also been plenty non-Thistle related games too leading to a different but bloody brilliant season.
So to the Balmoral dust bowl we hiked for the third time this season and for our second cup final featuring KC. After the hiding handed out by Kincorth at the weekend between these two sides in the Association Trophy semi final (5 v 1), I had a feeling this would be a lot closer. I was correct and to be honest this was a battle between two very decent sides. The opening stages, maybe as far as 25 minutes were Banchory. They were were well worth the money and caused Kincorth numerous problems. Another early problem for Kincorth was the loss of wide man Declan Urquhart in under five minutes when his hamstring went, as it happened it was clear his night was over as he pulled his shirt over his face as he went lame. A boost for Banchory as they piled the pressure on the Aberdeen side. But on the pressure, I did seem to notice that despite the amount of attacks they always seemed to be light in numbers going forward. It took a while for Banchory to cause Jarvie in the KC goal any problems. The first real threat came from the boot of Coutts who attempted a lobbed effort from just outside the box, Jarvie could only watch this effort dip as it flew over him but he was saved by the woodwork as the ball skelped the crossbar. Not long after, the first issue for the Kincorth keeper where he was actually called into action was of his own doing as he fumbled an tame effort. With the two Banchory forwards diving in at the rebound the second effort was also fumbled by the keeper who then collected at the third attempt. I am positive if either blue clad striker was more aware they would have been one up after the second spill. A let off for KC. But Jarvies net was finally to be breached and in some style. Coutts tried his luck from distance again, this time with power instead of lift and what a hit it was. The effort flew past Jarvie smacking the post on the way in. A superb hit and a goal which was clearly coming. As the half aged the game did open up and Kincorth crept back into it but they just seemed to be lacking going forward. Banchory keeper Dean Strachan was only really tested the once when he brilliantly stopped a top corner bound effort keeping his team deservedly in the lead going into half time.
HT 0 v 1
Half time saw something that is a rarity up here and more likely to be seen further south. A massive sidey full of kids on the pitch. Great to see. Brilliant stuff which brought out the Ron Manager in me. Kincorth came flying into the second half and equalised immediately. As Wee Man had made us swap ends I couldnt really see what happened but Ryan Hall fired in an effort, it looked as though Strachan had it then next thing you know the ball was in the net. Did it squirm free and in? I am unsure as we were the furthest from it out of anyone in the ground and was hard to tell. Straight off Kincorth were on the attack again and had the ball in the net off a corner but it was swiftly ruled out for offside. KC looked a team possessed and nothing like the side that turned up in the first half. Barring one tip over from Coutts, Jarvie was having a very different half as he was watching most of it. The guys in front of him were showing a determination that was entirely lacking in the first half. Mentions to centre half Lewis Ifi, a colossal defender and also Sean Cronin who I think is a cracking player (nae bad at saving pens too). A special shout to Kieren Wood too. Young loon and admirably direct when on the ball.Wee Man being the not so daft loon he is, said to me “Kincorth are going to win”. I couldn’t doubt his wisdom and immediately after the young ones statement they took the lead in style. A superb team move which started in front of the Banchory dug out(the Kincorth half side) saw numerous passes slice through Banchory leaving Michael Gunn unmarked at the back post to lash home a pin point cross. A superb goal on the eye. There was only going to be one winner from here and it showed with Strachan being called into action numerous times while also having his goal frame rattled. As time was running out you could see the experience of Kincorth coming to the fray and Banchory were bust, their manager clearly knew it too as I watched his body language and heard his gripes to others around him. The final whistle was sounded by ref Kenny Taylor (another decent showing from him for the record) and Kincorth had a cup treble in the bag and a third AFC Trophy in a row. Interestingly this is something only ever accomplished by one club, Cove Rangers. They accomplished this on three occasions, in the 40, 50s and 80s. Kind of poetic this was achieved by Kincorth at the home of long time gone amateurs Cove Rangers. Step one of this huge week complete. Not one made easy by a Banchory team I was very impressed with. Maybe experience was the key here and that Kincorth have lashings of. Two good sides none the less and a decent final to sign off our AAFA viewing for the season.
I will say though. Get to Balmoral on Friday, 7pm v Cowie Thistle (League Championship Playoff) and/or Sunday 2pm v Woodside(Association Trophy Final). The amateurs are magic and there is no doubt.
Entrance – £5 Me, £2 Wee Man
Attendance – 173 (Rough Head Count)
Pie – £9, Pie (macaroni as Steaks weren’t ready), Sausage roll and coffee
Pint – N/A
Score Predictions – Me 3 v 1, Wee Man 2 v 0
Season Score Prediction Total – Me 6 v 4 Wee Man
FITBAWBAG 