31/08/2026
The game started in a frantic manner, with neither side able to gain much control of the early proceedings.
It was Banchory who opened the scoring on 8 minutes. Cammie Strachan won possession high up the field, allowing Simon Watson to play an excellent through ball into the path of Tom Flaherty. Tom finished superbly with a low shot across goal to make it 0-1.
The lead lasted less than a minute, however, as Banchory were caught on their heels. Alford were afforded too much space to drive a low cross/shot into the box, which was turned home at the second attempt to level the scores, 1-1.
The frantic nature of the game continued, with Banchory forcing a flurry of corners before Alford threatened on the break. A big opportunity fell to the home forward, but he was unable to take advantage.
Banchory regained the lead on 22 minutes. Sean Findlay drove forward from full-back before cutting inside and firing a low effort from outside the box. The Alford goalkeeper was unable to hold the shot, allowing Cammie Strachan to react quickest and tap home from close range to make it 1-2.
The game began to settle from there, with Banchory gradually finding more control while Alford continued to battle hard and remained a threat.
Banchory extended their advantage on 43 minutes. A long throw from Sean Findlay found Jack Henderson, who produced a superb looping header to score his first goal for the club and make it 1-3.
There was still time for Banchory to create a big opportunity right on half-time which could have effectively sealed the game, but the chance went begging.
The second half was played at a much slower tempo and was largely controlled by the away side, who managed the game well. Both teams had a few fleeting opportunities, but neither created anything of serious note.
Alford were reduced to ten men on 65 minutes after a second-yellow-card offence, making Banchory’s task of seeing out the match that little bit more comfortable.
Banchory continued to manage the game effectively before finally putting the result beyond doubt on 88 minutes. Substitute Keane Miller floated a corner into the box, where Danny Nicoll rose highest to guide a deft header across goal and into the far corner to make it 1-4.
Full-time: Alford 1-4 Banchory Amateurs
Another important three points away from home against strong opposition, as the squad maintain their 100% start to the season.
A hard-fought opening 45 minutes was followed by a mature and controlled second-half performance, with the team showing good composure to manage the game and come away with another convincing away victory.
