Paul Esslemont’s 96th minute penalty delivered Culter’s first league loss of the season, ending the only unbeaten run remaining in the Scottish league pyramid. The sides were locked at 3-3 for most of the second half after a breathless opening 45 saw both teams lead, but ultimately the Peterculter side lost for the first time in the league since May 18, 2024, also against Hermes.

It was a glorious day for football on the edge of Aberdeen with hundreds in attendance at Crombie Park. Hermes got the game underway and both teams contested a tentative opening to proceedings, with little goalmouth action in the first 20 minutes. The game then burst in to life with three goals in quick succession; the first going to Culter. The home side were awarded an inviting freekick on the edge of the Hermes box, and Callum Youngson stepped up to curl home a low effort around the Hermes wall.

Just a moment after, Culter were two goals to the good. Cameron Fraser picked up a stray ball on the edge of the Hermes box and drove his shot into the bottom corner. Referee Owen Lawrence called a rare water break, giving Hermes manager Steven Watson the chance to rally his players and prevent Culter from killing the contest.

Watson’s words seemed to work as Hermes halved the deficit on 28 minutes, when Matthew Stewart capitalised on a poor clearance attempt to calmly pass the ball into the net. This shifted the momentum towards the away side and they seized the opportunity to restore parity before half time. Clever play down the Hermes wing allowed a dangerous ball to be whipped in, and James McMahon was on hand to steer the ball goalward with a glancing header on the 39th minute.

An anxious crowd cheered Culter on as the second half got underway but it would be Hermes to once again silence Crombie Park. A 47th minute Hermes corner was taken by Joe Burr, with his near-post cross flicked in by captain Dominic Rae. As the away side pushed on and looked to extend their lead, a moment of madness allowed Culter a chance to equalise.

Lewis Masson wrestled down Culter’s Ryan Smart in the box, giving the referee no option but to point towards the spot. Up stepped Fraser and the forward made no mistake, striking into the bottom left corner on the 56th minute.

Substitutions and another water break slowed the game down, with few chances as the game began to reach its conclusion. A long-ranged curling effort from Burr almost had Hermes in front with 15 minutes to play, but his shot cracked off the post.

With a minute to play of the 90, Culter were given a numerical advantage when Rae received his marching orders. The crowd urged Culter towards a goal which would seal the title, but nerves looked to take over as the home side squandered a counter-attacking opportunity.

Deep into stoppage time McMahon wriggled into the Culter box and was hacked down by a mistimed challenge, giving Hermes the chance to end the longest unbeaten streak in Scotland. Substitute Esslemont took the ball and confidently scored high into the right corner, prompting jubilant celebrations from the Hermes bench.

The full time whistle sounded, confirming an unbeaten away record for Hermes this season. Points dropped at home however mean Culter need a just one more victory with three games still to play, whilst Hermes secure second and conclude their campaign at home to Buchanhaven Hearts.

Full time: Culter 3-4 Hermes

Thank you to Gordon Thomson and the Culter FC committee for their kind hospitality.