A quick apology for the lack of player names within the article, please get in touch if you are able to provide details.

I was looking forward to writing about the joys of watching football on a warm summer evening, with tonight’s fixture pushing well past the usual culmination of the season, yet the rain had other ideas. Undeterred by the weather, a healthy crowd lined the length of Lochside Park as Newmachar kicked off.

The opening fifteen was largely uneventful, until the ball squeezed through the Newmachar defense and to Hermes’ number 11, who curved the ball high and wide.

Moments later, Hermes held the ball up in the box, allowing number 4 the chance to shoot. As he was lining up the shot he was taken down in the box, with the referee pointing straight to the spot. Number 6 took it, which was saved down the middle and then he skied the rebound. Newmachar went straight down the pitch and slotted home through number 24 on minute 17, shocking the home side.

Hermes retaliated swiftly, and through a corner managed to come close again, this time with number 12 looping the ball over the bar.

Hermes 9 was then played through will a brilliant ball from the outside of the foot, and despite slotting home, the lineman pulled the goal back for offside, much to the despare of the players and fans.

On the 25th minute, a flash of pace from Hermes 10 broke through the right of the Newmachar defense, and he was able to cause chaos in the box, with the ball being smashed into the net at close range by number 18. Number 10 yet again was up the park and his shot required an excellent save by the Newmachar keeper to prevent a swift turnaround.

Hermes would next get a chance in the 35th minute, and excellent passing and ball control in the box resulted in the Hermes’ number 9 calmly slotting the ball in the net. A matter of seconds (17 on my clock) and Hermes extend their lead to two goals after Hermes 9 once again finds the net.

A defensive slip up offered Newmachar a way back into the game on the 40th minute, but number 19’s shot watched his ball rebound off the far post.

The referee’s whistle signalled the end of an exciting first half, in which Hermes sluggish start was soon forgotten about as they scored three to overturn Newmachar’s early lead. A quick dash to the car to grab the umbrella was made, and I was back in time for the second half as the rain intensified in Bridge of Don.

Despite an urgency within the Newmachar side to level proceedings, they were unable to penetrate the Hermes backline. The home side maintained relentless pressure, coming close to extending their lead further on numerous occasions.

A tiring Newmachar allowed Hermes to accumulate several corners, but they were unable to find a killer fourth.

Newmachar earned their first corner of the second half in the 79th, but wasted a sparse opportunity with a misplaced short routine.

Hermes finally grabbed an overdue second half goal, courtesy of number 7, passing the ball home after impressive play from number 10 down the left hand side in the 79th minute.

The referee, perhaps keen to get out of the worsening weather, blew his whistle without any added time, despite a few moments taken by injury. Newmachar have now completed their league campaign, where they will finish 11th or 12th depending on results elsewhere and Hermes- guaranteed to finish third- will conclude their season next Tuesday where they welcome Bridge of Don Thistle to Lochside Park.