Match Report - By Steven Mew

City had to settle for a point in their final home fixture of 2024 as a late equaliser from Fraserburgh ensured a share of the spoils yesterday afternoon.

A strong swirling wind made things difficult for both sides and on the balance of play and opportunities created, City will be disappointed not to have come away with all 3 points.

Following the Highland League Cup exit against Banks O’ Dee just over a fortnight ago, there was a more familiar look to the City starting 11 this time round.

The home side started the game in a positive fashion with Fraser MacLeod having a shot blocked inside the box, whilst a cross from Ewan Loudon found Marc Scott inside the area but Joe Barbour kept out his effort.

Shortly after the quarter hour mark, Scott Barbour had a shot deflected wide and from the following corner, Kieran Simpson found the side netting.

Barbour in the Broch goal was called into action again when he punched away a strike from Marc Scott. Shortly after, Dayle Robertson nipped in ahead of the goalkeeper to latch on to a ball over the top but his lobbed effort from a difficult angle went wide.

City enjoyed a good period shortly before the break with Kevin McHattie having a shot deflected from the edge of the box and Dayle Robertson was unlucky shortly after with an intricate flick from a left sided cross, however Barbour was in the right place to keep it out.

Early in the second half, a 20 yard free kick from Scott Barbour was diverted away from goal by Euan Spark and at the other end, Dayle Robertson showed good battling qualities to charge down a clearance from the Joe Barbour however the Broch keeper was able to gather.

On the hour mark, a dangerous left sided cross from McHattie was diverted wide and from the resulting corner from Spencer Moreland, Brad McKay headed back into the danger area for EWAN LOUDON to nod home the opener from close range.

Cillian Sheridan came on for his home debut as he replaced Dayle Robertson after the goal and the big Irishman was in the thick of things straight away as he was played clean through on goal but he fired his strike inches wide of the post.

City were really starting to stretch the visitors defence at this stage with Lewis Martin scooping a shot wide, before Fraser MacLeod’s strike looked destined for the top corner but Barbour made a fine save to deny him.

It looked as if City were heading towards a hard-earned 3 points, however the visitors dealt a sucker punch six minutes from time. A lofted cross was carried by the wind and the ball fell kindly for KIERAN SIMPSON inside the box and he fired in from 10 yards with the aid of a deflection.

Other Results - Breedon Highland League

Buckie Thistle 1 Huntly 0

Clachnacuddin 2 Inverurie Locos 2

Deveronvale 4 Wick Academy 1

Formartine United 0 Brora Rangers 1

Forres Mechanics 3 Strathspey Thistle 3

Lossiemouth 0 Turriff United 2

Nairn County 1 Banks O' Dee 4