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Locos secured a point from a tight contest against Banks o’ Dee at Spain Park. Cole Anderson, returning from injury to make his 50th appearance for the club, scored his third goal of the season early in the second half after a Michael Philipson penalty had put the home side in front before the break.
Just a point separated these teams at kick off and it was apparent early in the game that there wasn’t much between the two. After a cagey opening quarter of an hour, Aidan Wilson latched onto a forward ball but his effort was well saved by Dee keeper Daniel Hoban. Blair Smith then tried his luck from the rebound but Mark Reynolds was on hand to block.
Locos were creating opportunities but couldn’t quite find the final pass to turn them into clear chances. At the other end, Hamish Macleod’s well struck shot was comfortable for Zack Ellis before Wilson went for goal again, seeing his effort deflected just off target.
Philipson couldn’t beat Ellis with a glancing header before slotting home from the spot after an awkward bouncing ball had struck Paul Court’s arm. There were no arguments about the penalty award but it was harsh on Locos to find themselves trailing at the break.
Ellis did well to deny Philipson early in the second half before Locos restored parity. Calum Dingwall’s corner from the right wasn’t cleared and Anderson pounced on the loose ball to power home. The goal lifted Locos and they enjoyed a dominant spell but they weren’t able to seriously test Hoban until the keeper raced off his line to prevent Anderson doubling his tally.
With time running out, both teams went looking for a winner. Substitute Iain Vigurs fired narrowly wide and Ellis again saved well from Philipson but the sides had to settle for a point apiece.
Locos will perhaps feel that they created enough to win the game but Dean Donaldson admitted he’d have taken a point if offered before the game and felt it was a fair result. He was, however, frustrated to be behind at the break. “I thought we were the better team in the first half. [The equaliser} settled us down a bit. There’s a few boys chipping in with goals, just not the strikers yet so if we can get them chipping in with goals we might get a half chance of finishing off teams early”.
Locos face another short away trip on Wednesday evening when they begin the defence of the Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup against Formartine United at North Lodge Park. They then return to league action next Saturday, on the road again at Rothes.
