McAllister and Masson Set for Aberdeenshire Cup Final Showdown

The Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup final is poised to showcase a thrilling clash between Formartine United and Aberdeen on March 15, 2024. For Formartine’s Rory McAllister, this match represents an opportunity to secure his first medal with the club, while Aberdeen midfielder Cooper Masson aims to end a 21-year trophy drought for the Dons.

McAllister, who joined Formartine this summer, is determined to add silverware to his impressive resume, which includes over 300 goals in the SPFL. The 38-year-old has celebrated four League Two titles and one League One title during his career. He stated, “I didn’t come to Formartine to just wind down – I’m here to play and I’m here to win things. Hopefully Friday can be the start of that.”

For Formartine, winning the Aberdeenshire Cup would mark their first trophy since February 2019. McAllister emphasized the club’s ambition, noting the strong support from fans and the quality of players they have signed. “Winning the Aberdeenshire Cup would be right up there with everything else I’ve won,” he said, reflecting on his past success in youth competitions.

Formartine’s form has been impressive, with the team losing only once in their last 16 matches across all competitions. McAllister acknowledged the challenge posed by Aberdeen, stating, “They’ll have quality and they might have a few first-teamers involved to provide experience.” He remains eager to test himself against full-time players and believes Formartine’s recent performances give them a solid chance.

Meanwhile, Cooper Masson, a 16-year-old midfielder for Aberdeen, is excited about the prospect of lifting the Aberdeenshire Cup for the first time since 2004. He described the potential victory as a “massive achievement” and expressed the desire for the team to secure a trophy. “Hopefully we can do it because ultimately football’s about winning,” he remarked.

Masson has also been gaining experience through a loan spell at Kelty Hearts, where he has made 11 appearances. He believes that playing against older and more experienced opponents is helping to develop a winning mentality. Masson observed, “Winning matters a lot more in men’s football… that’s something that’s different compared with youth level.”

Aberdeen has navigated challenging matches to reach the final, defeating Fraserburgh and Banks o’ Dee in previous rounds. Masson noted the importance of adapting to the physicality of the game, stating, “Formartine will be difficult to play against; they’re well-structured and good at what they do.”

As both teams prepare for the final at Harlaw Park in Inverurie, the stakes are high. For Formartine, the chance to claim a cup title is a significant milestone after years without silverware. Conversely, Aberdeen seeks to reclaim their status in the tournament, with a history of winning the cup 35 times.

In addition to the main event, Fraserburgh’s Jamie Beagrie is also making headlines in the cup run. Despite battling knee issues, the versatile 34-year-old is committed to playing through the pain to support his team. Beagrie expressed his determination, saying, “I’ll do whatever I can to help the team.”

As the final approaches, the excitement builds for both clubs, with players and fans alike eager to witness a memorable showdown. The Aberdeenshire Cup final is set to be a pivotal moment for both Formartine United and Aberdeen, highlighting the enduring passion for football in the region.