Banks o’Dee kicked off and started in determined fashion. Michael Dawson came to the rescue after only six minutes when he was in the right spot to head clear off the goal line after Lee Sweeney had pulled off a great save and the rebound fell kindly to the visitors.

Hermes were hardly able to break out of their own half but, when they did, it was to devastating effect.

In 11 minutes, a series of one-twos on the right flank between Craig Macklin and Stephen Jack left MICHAEL DAWSON with a clear sight of Michael Smith’s goal and, although the keeper did well to block the Hermes player’s initial effort, Dawson was able to head the rebound into the empty net for the opening goal.

In 15 minutes, high scoring debutant from last week, Jamie Lennox, fired in a fierce drive from 18 yards, but the ball flew over Sweeney’s crossbar.

Hermes struck again six minutes later when the ‘Dee defence was carved open allowing STEPHEN JACK to race through and beat the diving keeper with a well-placed low drive.

Banks o’Dee were working hard but their efforts to break through a stuffy Hermes rearguard met with little success.

Half-time: Hermes 2-0 Banks o’Dee

The second half started in much the same fashion as the first as the visitors, with their managers words ringing in their ears, pressed forward.

At this stage Hermes seemed content to sit on their two goal lead, forcing ‘Dee to make the running. The visitors came closest to opening their account in 55 minutes when they hit the post but the ball was scrambled clear.

This stung Hermes into action and, in a fantastic five minute spell from the 65th minute, Michael Smith in the visitors’ goal pulled off three outstanding saves from Craig Macklin, Lee Smith and Josh Winton to keep his side in the match.

After this flurry of chances there was little to shout about in the final quarter until, deep into injury time, the Spain Park side grabbed a late consolation goal through ROSS FORSYTH who forced the ball over the line from close range.

Full-time: Hermes 2-1 Banks o’Dee

After last week’s draw at Maud, Hermes bounced back in great style, against a side who will be strong challengers for league honours this season.

Apart from ten minute spells at the start of each half, ‘Dee seldom posed a serious threat to the home goal, with Grant Campbell and Josh Winton in great form at the heart of the home defence.

Going forward, Hermes pacey attackers caused problems for the visitors and, if it were not for the heroics of keeper Smith midway through the second half, the margin of victory might have been greater.

A hard working Banks o’Dee side never gave up and finally got their reward but it was too little too late.

At times, they knocked the ball around well but they were unable to find the key to enable them to unlock a resolute Hermes defence.

With Maud, ‘Dee and Hermes in good form and Culter beginning to fire on all cylinders, it looks as if this could be a close and exciting contest for the title this season.