YFS
Cults Academy were crowned champions of the J.M. Low Trophy after an entertaining final against Banchory Academy. Originally being played at Countesswells, the game was moved to the artificial pitch at Northfield Academy due to persistent rain fall all day. This was their second trophy in the space of a week after winning the President’s Trophy final against Oldmachar on penalties.
As the game kicked off, Banchory started with a quick tempo. Alasdair Shrive tested Cults’ keeper Jacob Otto with a powerful shot towards the bottom corner. Otto showed quick reactions in getting down to make the save.
After the quick start, the game began to slow down, with Banchory having a slight edge in terms of controlling the game. A low cross from Jamie Thomson looked threatening but was well cleared by defender Luke Fitzsimons. Shrive also remained a constant threat, with his ability to dribble past players causing trouble for the Cults’ defence.
Banchory continued to pile pressure upon the Cults defence who remained resilient. Otto was key once again as he pulled off a number of saves to keep his team in the game, particularly in coming quick off his line to retrieve the ball from the feet of attacker Sean Christie.
Cults had very few attacking opportunities in the first half. Andrew Mitchell forced a save from Aiden Sangster with a close range header, only for it to be ruled offside.
As the referee blew his whistle for half time, Banchory had the better of the play, but both teams still had a chance of lifting the trophy at the end of the game.