The Senior boys football team travelled to Stonehaven for an Aberdeenshire Cup match on Thursday 13^th October.  The boys had performed well in their previous two games but had come away empty handed and were determined to put things right against Mackie Academy.  Alford had the better of the first half and created a couple of chances but failed to hit the back of the net.  The Alford defence of Blair, Angus, Frasier and Nicol were comfortable at the back and snuffing out any threats on Grant’s goal.

The second half started with a greater intensity and Alford took the lead after some determined play from Ben down the left wing, his outside of the boot cross went across the 6 yards box and Jack came flying in at the back post to strike the ball under the Mackie ‘keeper.  Mackie equalised a short time later and then took the lead with 10 minutes remaining.  Alford managed to get back on equal terms with 5 minutes to go after Ben had won a free kick on the left wing.  Shay swung his free kick to the back post and Innes connected with a strong downwards header that nestled in the back of the net.  Both teams tried hard to find a winner, but the full-time whistle went, and it was straight to penalties.

Mackie went first and Grant saved their first spot kick with a great save down to his right.  Liam, Adam, Innes and Ewan all converted their penalties, but Alford missed the second penalty and it ended up going into sudden death.  Harrison scored Alford’s 6^th pen and Grant delivered a huge save on Mackie’s 7^th penalty, so it came down to Shay who buried his penalty to send Alford through to the next round.  Shay managed to block out a lot of noise from the Mackie fans, who numbered around 60 or so, to convert his penalty.

The boys worked hard, and this victory was well deserved after decent performances in the previous two games.  We head to Banff on Thursday 3^rd November for the 2^nd round fixture.  Well done boys, a great team performance from all 15 involved and I’m glad your hard work was rewarded with a victory.