Fraserburgh 1 - 4 Aberdeen

The Dons fans in the crowd were pleased to see Darren Mackie make his return after the striker's promising pre season form. The pace of Mackie, Foster and Muirhead were causing the Fraserburgh side problems in the opening spell, but they then settled and took the game to Aberdeen. McBride had two chances in the opening ten minutes when he first headed wide and then steered his second header on target but safely into the hands of Ryan Esson. A minute later Considine put Hart in trouble and Wemyess capitalised and fired a low cross across the face of the goal. Fortunately for the Dons there were no takers.

After the break the Dons started brightly, but lacked creativity up front and failed to really threaten the home goal. At the other end man of the match, Main was causing problems and it took a last gasp tackle from O'Leary to deny the Fraserburgh man. Then in the 73rd minute the home side grabbed a deserved lead when the unfortunate O'Leary turned a cross into his own goal. Aberdeen then made a double substitution bringing on Bruce and Donald for Mackie and Buckley.

Fraserburgh looked to be heading for a famous win when referee, Steven Duff threw the Dons a sensational lifeline. The ball was played into the penalty area and flicked on and as the defender rose he was adjudged to have handled and Duff pointed to the spot. John Stewart remained calm and showed great composure as he fired the ball into the net to take the match to extra time.

After the interval Stewart blasted the ball over the bar but he wasn't to be denied his hat trick. With a minute remaining Esson found Muirhead with a quick throw out. The Winger ran the length of the park and found Stewart with his cross. The hat trick hero buried his header in the rigging to cap a fine performance and ensure that the famous old trophy returned to the Aberdeen Board Room.