Banks o’ Dee were crowned Aberdeenshire Cup champions after a narrow win over Huntly at Harlaw Park on Sunday. Michael Philipson grabbed the only goal of the game shortly after half-time as Dee beat the Black and Golds 1-0 in Inverurie. The game capped an entertaining and unpredictable weekend of Highland League football - with a near-complete card taking place on Saturday.
Keith shocked Buckie Thistle in a Moray derby, defeating the Jags 3-1 at Kynoch Park. Jags had Joe McCabe sent off and Brody Albert struck a double as Keith raced into a 3-0 lead. An own goal reduced the deficit late on for Buckie, but Keith made it three wins in a row in comfortable fashion.
Deveronvale moved to within a point of rivals Buckie - who they finished 56 points behind last season - with a 2-1 victory over Nairn County. Fraser Dingwall put Wee County ahead in the first five minutes, but a Harry Noble penalty had Vale level at the break. Olek Dlugosz struck the winning goal 12 minutes from time to move Vale up to 10th in the table.
Brechin City and Brora Rangers both recorded wins in Moray as they continue to battle for the title. Brechin were 3-1 winners at Lossiemouth. Goals from Ewan Loudon, Brad McKay and Fraser Macleod had City 3-0 up before Ross Archibald scored in the 90th minute.
Brora hammered Rothes 7-0 at Mackessack Park. New man Connor Bunce got a double, even ripping the net off with a penalty kick. Shane Sutherland was denied from the spot, but scored one himself, with other goals scored by Max Ewan, Tony Dingwall, Andrew MacLeod and former Rothes defender Michael Finnis.
Turriff United were big winners in a crucial clash at the bottom end of the table - beating Strathspey Thistle 4-0. Reece McKeown hit a double, with the other goals scored by Owen Kinsella and Mackenzie Taylor. Inverurie Loco Works and Formartine United were Saturday’s other winners.
Locos won 2-1 at Wick Academy thanks to first half goals from Cole Anderson and Mark Souter. Gary Pullen scored Wick’s goal. Marc Lawrence scored the only goal as Formartine defeated Clachnacuddin 1-0 at North Lodge Park.
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Sports
Round-up: Banks o’ Dee win Aberdeenshire Cup as Keith defeat Buckie in derby
Eight matches involving Highland League clubs took place across the weekend - seven Highland League clashes and a cup final.