ABERDOUR created history on Saturday as they defeated Aberdeen University to reach the semi-finals of the Balliemore Cup for the first time.

The hosts were backed by a growing crowd at Silver Sands and those in attendance were treated to an exciting five-goal match, with all the goals scored in an action-packed opening period.

Dour made a strong start with some good forward play and they opened the scoring after 18 minutes through John Martin Philips' long-range strike but the students levelled when sloppy defending saw the ball fall to the feet of Brian Slattery on 25 minutes. Three minutes later more hesitancy in the home rearguard and a poor clearance saw the ball flicked on to Mark Fraser. He made no mistake to fire Aberdeen into the lead.

That goal woke Aberdour from their slumber and they surged ahead with two goals in two minutes. Youth product Angus Thorburn equalised on 34 minutes with a close range shot after some determined Aberdour play saw Cameron McCue make a forceful run from wing back into the forward line to set up the goal.

Aberdeen struggled with the mounting pressure and took to clearing the ball by any means possible and after the full back kicked the ball over the bye-line from inside the penalty area, referee Ronnie Campbell awarded the home side a penalty. Darren Coyle kept his nerve to make it 3-2 from the spot.

The second half saw Aberdeen come out fighting with a strong centre line that cut out a lot of balls from reaching the frustrated Dour forwards, but their defence had settled and dealt with the pressure well.

Aberdeen lacked in quality in attack but their centre line kept them on top with the possession but with no second-half goals, the win saw Aberdour reach the semi-finals of Balliemore Cup at the first time of asking.

Coach Lisa Norman said, "It was disappointing to concede two poor goals but we ground out the second half to secure a well deserved place in the semi-finals. This is a huge achievement for the club takes it one step on from reaching the Celtic Cup semi-finals in 2012." Aberdour are back in cup action at Silver Sands on Saturday as they take on Bute in the South of Scotland playe semi-final with a 2.30pm throw up.

The club's seconds are away to Ballachulish with throw up at 12pm.