Hermes: L.Sweeney, R.Nash, L.Smith, G.Pirie, G.Campbell , K.Stewart, S.Jack, J.Winton, D.Stevenson, M.Dawson, C.Macklin. Subs: R.Wyness, A.Close, C. Murray, S.Watson, K. Wilson

Both sides had won their opening Grill League Cup section ties comfortably, so three points tonight would set one of the teams up with a great chance to book a place in the quarter finals.

The visitors started in convincing style and it was no surprise when they took the lead in only seven minutes.

Craig Macklin collected a pinpoint crossfield pass from Ryan Nash and fired in a dangerous cross which Josh Winton headed powerfully towards goal; keeper Robertson pulled off a great save but the ball rebounded to DAVID STEVENSON who smashed it home from six yards.

Ten minutes later Hermes doubled their advantage when MICHAEL DAWSON found time and room at the edge of the penalty box for an attempt on goal; although his shot was not very powerful, it was well-placed and found net off the base of Warren Robertson's right hand post.

Hermes were now threatening to overpower their opponents but, in a remarkably similar fashion to Saturday's match, they were pegged back in 29 minutes when a defensive slip up allowed Ryan Duncan a clear run in on goal.

Lee Sweeney appeared to have averted the danger when he dived at the striker's feet forcing him so wide that he was unable to turn his shot into the unguarded net; however the referee deemed that the keeper had fouled the Bay forward and he had allowed an advantage which didn't materialise, thus awarding a penalty and showing the Hermes player a yellow card.

MARK STAINTON made no mistake with his spot kick to hand the home side a lifeline.

Hermes seemed to falter for the next ten minutes and Cruden Bay enjoyed their best spell in the match.

However Hermes restored their two goal lead just on half time when LEE SMITH fired in an unstoppable free kick from 25 yards; although Robertson got a hand to the ball he was unable to prevent it flying into the roof of the net.

Half time: Cruden Bay 1 -3 Hermes

Hermes came out for the second half in determined mood and dominated play, without extending their lead.

Richard Wyness and Andrew Close replaced David Stevenson and Michael Dawson and, again in a repeat of events from Saturday, Wyness was fouled in the box in the 85th minute, allowing SMITH to fire home his third goal in two games from the penalty spot.

Full time: Cruden Bay 1-4 Hermes

A convincing win for Hermes, although they looked distinctly uncomfortable for a spell after the home side scored.

Cruden Bay plugged away but they will aware of the task they face holding on to their Superleague spot.

Hermes entertain Whitehills on Saturday and are now favourites to book a place in the quarter finals of the Grill League Cup.