Aberdour 4 Beauly 1, Liberty British Aluminium Balliemore Cup, first round
A RESULT that has been "years in the making" was how Aberdour coach Lisa MacColl described their superb victory over National Division Beauly at Silver Sands on Saturday.
In what was a first meeting between the clubs, Mowi South Division One table-toppers 'Dour – unbeaten with four wins from five games going into this tie – produced a display that MacColl believes is "one of their best" to date.
The hosts broke the deadlock just before the half-hour mark when David MacKenzie drove forward from the wing to net, and five minutes later it was two when Angus Thorburn sent a rocket of a shot into the top corner of the net.
In a keenly-contested match, in which Beauly had their fair share of chances, the deficit was halved five minutes after the restart by Jack Macdonald but the goal simply served to spur Aberdour into action.
Some quick, fluid play from the home side caused their opponents plenty of problems and, six minutes later, MacKenzie grabbed his second to restore the two-goal advantage before Thorburn completed his brace, and a fine victory, in the 65th minute.
MacColl commented: "We put on one of our best performances to date.
"We started with the confidence of a team who finally know, and believe, they can play this game. It's been years in the making but I'm proud as punch of the players, who made a mark for themselves building on what has been, so far, a good start to the season.
"Each week we're gathering momentum and gelling more as a team."
The result takes 'Dour, who tackle Glasgow Mid Argyll in the Macaulay Cup this Saturday (2.30pm) at Silver Sands, through to the last eight, where they'll play National Division leaders Glenurquhart next month.
Meanwhile, an under-strength Aberdour second team travelled to Bute and returned home with maximum points after winning by the odd-goal-in-five.
Although player/manager Roddy MacColl had a goal disallowed, he grabbed two quick-fire goals before half-time to put his side in control.
Chris McGowan's double brought Bute level but, with 11 minutes to go, MacColl completed his hat-trick and victory for the visitors, who travel to Kilmory this weekend.
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