Goals from Harry Copeman, Callum Kelly and Owen Emslie were enough for Ellon Academy to retain the North Of Scotland Cup at Under 13s level against Fortrose Academy, after the 2004 age group got their hands on the trophy last year.

Both teams served up a cracking cup final with lots of exciting football played on a fine day at Mosset Park, home of Highland League side Forres Mechanics, a big pitch for both teams. 

Ellon threatened early on in the game and a short pass from Harvey McIntyre found Kelly, however the forwards effort went wide of the right hand post. McIntyre then had a good effort denied by Fortrose goalkeeper Graeme MacLennan.

The Aberdeenshire side took the lead after four minutes. Ellon had a couple of set pieces and a good ball was played in before the ball came into the pathway of Harry Copeman who guided home a fine finish to give Ellon the dream start. 

Fortrose started to get into the game as the half progressed, John MacLeman had a shot which went just wide after some good build up play. Fortrose were playing some exciting football however lacking the final product. 

Ellon extended their lead on the 24 minute mark. An effort from Callum Kelly was saved by the MacLennan, however the powerful effort was too hot to handle and the ball ended up crossing the line. It was very fortunate for Kelly but a good strike nonetheless. 

Fortrose reduced the deficit before half time when a great corner came in from the right hand side from Alex Stevenson which evaded everyone and Fergus Adams was there, five yards from goal to tap the ball into an empty net to give the Highland side some hope and a lot to play for during the second half. 

Ellon restores their two-goal lead after 47 minutes. A free kick from Owen Emslie was chipped over MacLennan and dipped into the back of the net. A touch of class from Emslie with Ellon very much in the driving seat now. 

Fortrose never gave up though and had a few chances to rescue the tie. A good ball came in from Thomas Stevenson with a left sided ball which found John MacLeman, who had worked hard all afternoon to get on the score sheet, however the header went wide. 

It was end to end stuff during the midway point of the second half and Ellon tried to add to their two goal advantage with Callum Kelly nearly getting a brace however his long range effort was denied by the Fortrose back line. 

Fergus Adams tried to get a brace of his own for the Highland outfit after a ball from Thomas Stevenson, however a good effort from the striker was denied by Cameron Montgomery.

It was a deserved win for Ellon, however praise needs to go towards Fortrose for giving the Aberdeenshire side a good contest in what was a good final to watch from a neutral perspective.