Breadalbane A.F.C. ran out 6-1 winners against Highland Perthshire rivals Vale of Atholl A.F.C. to clinch the North Perthshire Cup at Brownlands Park, Luncarty. Harley MacKinnon was the hattrick hero with goals from Ciaran Ferns, Jack Wilson and Jamie Sullivan to better a steely Vale of Atholl side, who found the net through Liam Jones.

It was the Aberfeldy side who started well and went ahead under 10 minutes through MacKinnon’s first strike, beating Vale keeper Cameron Shaw with a fine finish. Vale recovered well and the Pitlochry team restored parity after 13 minutes when Jones found the bottom corner from range.

Previous encounters suggested there could be little contest between the sides, but the Smart Fixings Division Two side frustrated Breadalbane, limiting attacks and looking to break on the counter. Breadalbane would however lead again on the half hour mark, with Fern’s headed effort, and the A & B Taxis Division One side then doubled their advantage moments before half time with MacKinnon’s second, smashing the ball high into the goal after a drilled cross from the wing.

Vale huffed and puffed under the scorching sun, but Breadalbane took control in the second half, taking advantage of a defensive mix-up for Wilson to slot home, before MacKinnon completed his hattrick with 15 minutes to play. The striker was alert to drop behind the defensive line to collect a cross before firing beyond Shaw in the Vale goal. Breadalbane would conclude the scoring with a clever headed finish from winger Sullivan, meeting the ball at the back post from a corner.

The final whistle signalled Breadalbane’s first piece of silverware this season, with the side still in contention for five trophies. As for Vale of Atholl, their season has now concluded, finishing 6th in Perthshire’s second division table.