Marko Lazetic Shines with Brace as Aberdeen Advances to Final

Aberdeen FC secured their place in the Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup final following a thrilling 4-2 victory against Buckie Thistle at Victoria Park. Marko Lazetic was the standout performer, scoring two goals in the first half, which, combined with a goal from teammate Dylan Lobban, established a strong lead for the Dons before halftime.

The match began with a penalty awarded to Aberdeen in the fifth minute. Lazetic was brought down by Buckie’s Sam Morrison after receiving a precise through ball from Alfie Bavidge. The former AC Milan striker confidently converted the penalty with a well-placed Panenka kick, putting the Dons ahead early on.

Aberdeen continued to dominate, doubling their lead in the 27th minute. A throw-in from the left found Ryan Duncan, whose cross was not cleared, allowing captain Dylan Lobban to fire home low past goalkeeper Euan Storrier. In treacherous weather conditions, Lazetic netted his second goal just before halftime. Following a brilliant defense-splitting pass from Lobban, Lazetic raced clear, rounded Storrier, and calmly rolled the ball into the empty net, giving Aberdeen a 3-0 advantage.

Second Half Tension

The second half saw a determined fightback from Buckie Thistle. Sam Morrison headed home a corner at the back post in the 53rd minute, reducing the deficit and igniting hopes of a comeback for the home side. Buckie intensified their pressure, and in the 78th minute, Darryl McHardy bundled the ball into the net from close range, making it 3-2 and setting up a tense finish.

Despite Buckie’s efforts to equalize, Aberdeen managed to secure their victory with a late goal. In the 89th minute, Joseph Teasdale broke free on the counterattack and executed a superb chip over Storrier, sealing the match at 4-2.

Aberdeen’s coach, Stuart Duff, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance. He noted the challenges posed by Buckie’s resurgence in the second half. “Credit to Buckie, they came out and showed what a good side they are by asking questions of our young defence in the second half,” Duff remarked. He emphasized the importance of the experience gained by his younger players, saying, “It’s good for them to go through that adversity and have that challenge and physicality of balls on top of them and in behind them.”

With this victory, Aberdeen FC now prepares to face Formartine United in the final of the Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup, which promises to be an exciting encounter as the Dons look to secure silverware.