Inverurie Locos strike late to oust Huntly and book Aberdeenshire Shield final date with Fraserburgh
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AN injury time strike sent Inverurie Locos through to the Aberdeenshire Shield final at the expense of hosts Huntly.
Locos twice came from behind for a dramatic 3-2 win at Christie Park on Wednesday night.
In the final they will meet Fraserburgh, who edged out Formartine 2-1 in the other semi.
Locos hadn't played since their Scottish Cup defeat to Broxburn on November 23 so were perhaps a bit rusty in their return to action.
They trailed at the break to a Glenn Murison header for Huntly midway through the first half.
Chris Angus levelled with his 15th goal of the season, only for Nathan Meres to continue his recent scoring form for Huntly by firing them back in front on 74 minutes.
Neil Gauld responded with his 11th of the campaign to level for Locos four minutes later.
A penalty shoot-out was looming when Inverurie won a corner in the third minute of stoppage time and Jonny Smith headed home Ryan Stott's kick for the winner.
Two first half goals helped Fraserburgh overcome Formartine at Bellslea Park.
Sean Butcher forced home a 12th minute opener for his 15th goal of the season to put Broch ahead.
Team-mate Paul Campbell then nodded in a Butcher cross for his 16th strike of the term to make it 2-0.
Sub Kieran Lawrence got one back for United midway through the second half but Fraserburgh stayed on course for the final.
The Locos-Broch final is scheduled to take place at Cove on January 22.