Referee Mr D Donohoe; Assistants: Mr A Cunningham; Mr P Farquhar:
Uniconn Park looked in superb condition, despite the heavy rain which had fallen, for this Superleague match. Both teams set out their stall to play good controlled football early despite the driving rain. Hermes had made the better start and it was no surprise that they took the lead in the 15th minute when K Wilson created space for D Wilson who slipped the ball past the visiting keeper. The home side continued pressing and in the 18th minute from a pinpoint Alexander corner L Smith powered a back post header past Farquhar.

Colony Park created their first real chance in the 21st minute but McKay pulled his drive wide with only Sweeney to beat. In the 27th minute with the Bridge of Don side piling on the pressure a clumsy challenge by a Colony Park defender on Stevenson gave the referee no option but to award a penalty. The same player stepped up to take the kick but Farquhar guessed right and saved the weak effort. However, the third goal was only delayed for two minutes, when after a piece of brilliance from Dawson saw him create space for himself. His powerful drive left Farquhar no chance.

Colony Park were not about to throw in the towel and in the 33rd minute Strachan forced Sweeney to pull off a good save at his near post. Hermes appeared to ignore this warning sign and were found to be casual, when after good work down the right side Ness smashed the ball past Sweeney. The Inverurie side had their tails up now and in a similar manner to their first goal, the cross from the right was cracked home by Roddie.

Half Time: Hermes 3 – 2 Colony Park

At three nil the home side were coasting but Colony Park did not give up and their 2 goal burst should waken Hermes from their lethargy. GAME ON.

After an even start to the second half the play tended to flow towards the visitors goal with the first chance coming in the 55th minute when Scoular blasted the ball high over the bar after Farquhar and one of his defenders prevented each other from getting to the ball. The next chance came when the very effective Dawson squared the ball to D Wilson but the alert Farquhar smothered his weak effort. Dawson was creating havoc at this point and from another cross the visiting keeper spilled the ball but M Smith could not control his header towards goal.

Manager Dawson made two changes in the 70th and 72nd minute with McKenzie and Macklin coming on for K Wilson and D Wilson respectively. McKenzie was immediately in the game when his through pass to Dawson was transferred into the middle where M Smith slipped the ball home. Almost a fifth for the home side, but Dawson’s chip from 15 yards came back off the bar and was cleared.

Full Time: Hermes 4 – 2 Colony Park

Both sides should be congratulated for playing football as it should be played – on the ground. This was achieved despite tricky under foot and overhead conditions. Hermes continue to miss chances but what must be encouraging for their management team is that they are creating copiously.