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Locos came away with a draw from a game of few opportunities at North Lodge Park. Both goals came before the break as Aidan Wilson equalised Adam Emslie’s opener.
This game was originally played in December but, following floodlight failure, was abandoned at half time with score at, ironically, 1-1
The Railwaymen were the first to threaten, Cole Anderson hooking Wilson’s cross from the left over the bar in the 7th minute.
Formartine began to dominate the ball but couldn’t muster an effort at goal until 25th minute when Aaron Reid got on the end of an Adam Emslie corner but could only glance his header wide.
The home side took the lead on 32 minutes when Emslie cut inside from the left before the Aberdeen loanee fired and unstoppable shot beyond Zack Ellis from just outside the box.
Having taken the lead, United applied a lot of pressure on the Locos defence but weren’t able to test Ellis further. Graeme Rodger passed up the best opportunity, lifting his effort over the bar from 18 yards.
Locos levelled a few minutes from the break. After good work by Greg Mitchell on the right, Wilson picked his way into the penalty area before lashing home.
Locos went close to taking the lead early in the second half when Mitchell headed over the bar following a Logan Johnstone throw. Clear chances were few and far between though for much of the second period, despite both teams getting into some promising positions.
Locos finished the game strongly and Cameron Middleton kept out Cole Anderson’s low drive a few minutes from time, ensuring a point apiece that was probably a fair reflection of a tight game.
This game concluded Locos Highland League season, one that fell below hopes and expectations but with big improvements in the second half of the campaign that will fuel optimism ahead of next season.
There is of course still an opportunity to make it a trophy-winning season as Locos take on Buckie Thistle in the Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup final next Tuesday evening at Keith’s Kynoch Park.
