With last week’s match being postponed, Hermes trip to Inverurie meant that they were meeting Colony Park in consecutive games, albeit that this was a league tie.

Although it was now December, the weather conditions were reasonably benign at Colony Park’s trim ground.

As in the earlier match Hermes went ahead in the first minute, when MICHAEL DAWSON rose to meet an Alan McRae cross, and his powerful 12 yard header looped over the Colony keeper and into the roof of the net.

With McRae running riot on the right wing, Hermes carved out several chances but it wasn’t until the 43rd minute that they extended their lead.

A deep cross to the far post was helped on its way by Stevenson and DEREK MCKECHNIE fired home from an acute angle.

Half-time: Colony Park 0-2 Hermes

As with the previous match the home side came out in much more determined fashion after the break and, without ever testing keeper Sweeney, took the game to the visitors.

Hermes suffered a major setback when central defender Ryan Nash was carried off, with what looked like a serious ankle injury, and experienced campaigner Grant Campbell took his place.

Hermes were second best at this point, but they seemed to have to have been given a boost when Colony Park were reduced to ten men, when a second yellow card was shown to McGuiness.
However Park continued to press and, with an hour gone, they came right back into the game when CALVIN RODDIE scored.

This setback seemed to spur Hermes into action and, within ten minutes, they had restored their two goal lead, after Stevenson was felled in the box and MCRAE sent his spot kick into the corner of the net.

The Bridge of Don side then comfortably played out the final quarter of the game, introducing Innes and Close for Stevenson and McRae, and headed home with three valuable points in the bag.

Full-time: Colony Park 1-3 Hermes

This was a slightly less convincing victory than the cup tie two weeks ago, but Hermes were on top for two thirds of the match with the home side enjoying a good spell at the start of the second half.

Man of the Match: a very easy task this week to select Hermes best player, with ALAN MCRAE turning in an outstanding performance, rounded off with an immaculate spot kick.