A much improved performance from Dufftown ultimately meant no reward as they crashed out of the North Regional Cup at the preliminary round stage in Peterhead.

Co-managers Willie Duncan and Rab Mulheron made 4 changes to the side that were thumped at Lossiemouth last weekend.  In came Blair McDonald, Kevin Smith, Daryl McGregor and Sanuk Stephen and out went Stuart Glen, Alan Gray, Peter Fraser and Donald Poupard.

Buchanhaven Hearts started the match in fine form and after only two minutes Dufftown goalkeeper Martin Taylor did well to tip a long range effort over his crossbar.

Just four minutes later and Buchanhaven should have taken the lead.  Striker Scott Barbour was the culprit, placing his shot wide of 'keeper Taylor's post when it seemed easier to score.

Dufftown's first chance of the match was to come in 8 minutes.  Midfielder Daryl McGregor had a chance of a strike at goal but he rather fluffed his effort and the chance had gone.

Just two minutes later and Dufftown 'keeper Taylor was called into action again, making a fine save from Buchanhaven's Ryan Duncan. 

The 'keeper was helpless just a minute later when a long range effort from Buchanhaven Hearts crashed off of the Dufftown crossbar and was then cleared to safety.

Dufftown's Gary Spence had the next chance after 17 minutes.  The midfielder firing in a shot which Buchanhaven goalkeeper William Gatt did well to block.

The opening goal was to come for Buchanhaven just a minute later.  Martin Taylor pulled off a fine save from Scott Barbour, touching his effort round the post for a corner.  From the resultant corner Scott Barbour forced the ball into the Dufftown net.

Buchanhaven were to double their lead after 21 minutes.  This time an oportunistic strike from Ryan Duncan beat 'keeper Taylor to the delight of the home fans.

Dufftown had one final opportunity to grab a goal in the first half after 39 minutes.  This time midfielder Adam Irvine fired in a good shot but it was comfortably held by home 'keeper Gatt.

Dufftown 'keeper Martin Taylor then kept his side in the match with a fine save from Buchanhaven striker Ryan Duncan right on the half-time whistle.

Into the second half and Dufftown's Adam Irvine was to create the first chance after 48 minutes.  The midfielder went on a fine run but saw his shot go just wide of the target.

Two minutes later and this time it was Gary Ewen's turn to try and get his side back into the match.  The full-back unleashed a fine low 25 yard effort which home 'keeper William Gatt did well to save.

Buchanhaven scored their third goal of the afternoon after 59 minutes.  Substitute Matthew Cowie received the ball in a suspiciously offside-looking position but with no whistle from the referee he kept his composure to slot the ball beyond Martin Taylor.

Buchanhaven had one final chance to extend their lead with ten minutes remaining.  The Dufftown defence failed to clear their lines and substitute Cowie was unable to provide the finish and the danger was gone.

The match ended a short time afterwards and although Dufftown were defeated the performance was certainly much better than that given at Lossiemouth last weekend.