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.

The rain continued to fall as the second half kicked off but both teams were still raring to win the cup. Cults showed good attacking intent as Alex Dalziel burst into the box but failed to find a man with his cross.

Looking invigorated since the start of the second half, it was Cults who opened the scoring. Mitchell won a free kick just outside of the Banchory box which was taken by Ryan Corthals. The ball came in close to goal, forcing a save from Sangster who could only push the ball as far as Mitchell who tapped it in at the back post.

After scoring, Cults continued to pile the pressure upon Banchory. Ben Ross managed to beat the offside trap, but could not manage to beat Sangster who made a great save in a one on one situation.

Banchory refused to back down, attempting to find their way back into the game. Lewis Duffy had a fantastic opportunity to level the scores, finding himself unmarked at a corner but putting his header narrowly wide of the post. Christie almost came close as well, with his shot from inside the six yard box going narrowly over the bar.

However, only moments later Cults had all but sealed their cup victory. A superb pass from Aidan Wilkinson in the midfield found its way through the defence. Running onto the ball, Kris Cocker found himself one on one, putting the ball low past Sangster to double his side’s lead with ten minutes to go.

Although the game was generally well tempered throughout, it ended on a sour note with multiple red cards. Banchory defender Tom Cuthbertson was shown red for a late challenge on Wilkinson whilst minutes later, Cults’ Ross was sent off for a high elbow.

After the controversy, Cults could have gone three ahead through Omar Hamel who found himself straight through on goal against Sangster, who pulled off a fantastic save to keep the scores as they were.

The final whistle signalled the start of the celebrations for Cults who fought hard in the second half to secure the victory and their cup double. Banchory showed a lot of quality in the first half but were met by a resilient response from the Cults defence. In the second half, Cults looked much improved and showed great character in the way they took both goals.

Many congratulations to victors Cults Academy and thanks to both teams for putting on an excellent performance. Furthermore, good luck to all those who have now played their last game for their school side and will be moving on at the end of the school year.