Huntly beat Inverurie Locos to reach Aberdeenshire Shield final for first time in almost 30 years

CUP final fever will return to Huntly after comeback glory in the Aberdeenshire Shield.

The Black and Golds reached their first showpiece match in many seasons by defeating Inverurie Locos 2-1 at Christie Park last night.

Allan Hale's men trailed to a Nat Meres goal and looked to be heading to their third defeat to Locos this season after two narrow defeats.

But a devastating four-minute spell saw Huntly strike twice to claim a famous win.

It was back in the glory days of Steve Paterson's managerial reign that Huntly last reached a Shield final back in 1992-93, a precursor to their five consecutive Highland League title successes.

Alex Thoirs returned from offshore to bolster the home rearguard, but a first half of few chances ended in stalemate.

Greg Buchan fired over from Huntly's best chance and 21-goal Locos dangerman Kieran Shanks, who netted in both wins against Huntly this term, nodded just past at the other end.

Aberdeen loan keeper Tom Ritchie saved Huntly at the start of the second period with a double stop.

But he was beaten ten minutes into the half by a Meres strike from a Shanks pass which opened Locos' account.

The equalising goal drew loud Locos protests on 72 minutes.

Kyle Dalling fired the ball goalwards from a corner and it went under keeper Andy Reid, though the visitors claimed his effort hadn't crossed the line. Ref Joel Kennedy gave the goal after his assistant flagged that the ball did indeed go in.

Before Inverurie could recover, youngster Fergus Alberts teed up Buchan for a simple finish to spark wild celebrations in the home camp.

Ritchie ensured the victory with a late save and when the full time whistle went, the joy was evident in the Huntly technical area and among the players who fought hard to drive their side into the final.

Huntly will now play the winners of next Tuesday's semi between Buckie Thistle and Banks o' Dee.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.