The Senior boys football team travelled to Banff Academy for an Aberdeenshire Cup quarter-final tie on Thursday afternoon and prevailed after another tense match that went to penalties.  Banff took an early lead after a long through ball was latched onto by their pacy forward, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Alford started to get the ball down and play some good football with Adam and Jack causing problems for the Banff defence on either wing.  The equaliser came courtesy of Adam’s excellent corner, met with a strong header from Innes, which the Banff keeper parried, and Harrison was quickest to react as he scooped the ball into the net.

Both teams created a couple more chances in the first half in an entertaining game, but it remained 1-1 at the break.

Alford started the second half slowly and lost a bit of momentum but managed to assert themselves more as the half went on and the game opened up.  Banff re-took the lead on the hour mark just as Alford were looking the stronger team.  A few injuries resulted in a change of shape for Alford which seemed to help as the boys pushed for an equaliser.

The back three of Liam, Angus and Blair were composed on the ball and building attacks from the backline, finding Ben and Adam on the wings as Alford pinned Banff into their defensive third.  With just 5 minutes left Adam swung in another dangerous corner and once again Innes met it with his head as he glanced the ball into the bottom corner to send the Alford bench wild!

Alford almost snatched victory in the final seconds of the match but Innes’ shots were blocked twice in quick succession by the Banff defenders in the six-yard box.

For the second fixture in a row, the game went to penalties.  Both times Alford came from behind to give themselves a chance of victory.

Banff missed their first spot-kick and Grant saved brilliantly down to his left for the third Banff penalty which meant that Alford needed to convert four penalties for the win.  Harrison, Jack, Adam and Innes all converted their penalties with aplomb to send Alford into the semi-finals.

Another great team performance, with all 14 boys involved playing really well and showing great commitment and determination to seal their place in the last 4.  It was a very competitive match and we wish Banff all the best for the rest of their season.