Dufftown cruised to victory against Formartine United Under 21's in a friendly match played at a windy Westburn Park.

Co-managers Willie Duncan and Rab Mulheron made four changes to the side that defeated Parkvale last weekend, Blair McDonald, Gary Sutherland, Mark Taylor and Donald Poupard coming in to replace Gary Ewen, Alan Gray, Stuart Lamberton and Adam Irvine.

Dufftown started the match the brighter side and midfielder Donald Poupard created the first chance of the game after 10 minutes.  Poupard beat three Formartine players before playing the ball to Gary Spence, his shot was sliced somewhat and found team-mate Mark Sanderson but his driven effort flew over Formartine 'keeper Lee Thomson's crossbar.

Formartine were to create their only chance of the first half after 12 minutes.  Strikers Michael Thomas and Atholl Cadger linked up well with Cadger sending over a cross which found the head of Thomas but his effort looped over the crossbar of home 'keeper Martin Taylor and the chance was gone.

Dufftown were to take the lead after 17 minutes and again Poupard was to be instrumental.  The midfielder linked up well on the left hand side with full-back Kevin Smith and Smith then swung over an inviting cross straight into the path of Stuart Allan who made no mistake with a fine chipped finish from around 10 yards.

Dufftown were in complete control of the match at this stage and should have doubled their lead after 20 minutes.  Midfielder Mark Taylor's pass was flicked on by Alan Shearer into the path of Mark Sanderson who was clean through on goal but the 34 year old seemed to be caught in two minds and screwed his effort horribly wide of the target.

Dufftown's second goal was to be delayed for just a futher four minutes.  Full-back Blair McDonald picked the ball up some 30 yards out before unleashing an effort which initially looked to be a cross but somehow ended up needing visiting 'keeper Thomson to touch it over his crossbar for a corner.  From the corner by Mark Sanderson, Mark Taylor seemed to miss-kick the ball some 8 yards out but the ball broke to Stuart Allan who fired in a low shot through a ruck of bodies and into the corner of the net.

The final chance of the half was to come for Dufftown on the half hour mark.  The lively Mark Sanderson sent over an inviting cross which was met by the head of Gary Spence but 'keeper Thomson did well, turning the ball behind for a corner.

Into the second half and the pattern of Dufftown dominance was to continue with their third goal arriving on 53 minutes.  This time Mark Sanderson produced a fine defence-splitting ball allowing Alan Shearer the chance to run through on goal before clinically drilling a low left-footed shot beyond the advancing 'keeper Thomson and into the Formartine net.

Formartine began to establish more possession and pressure the longer the second half went and it was no surprise when they pulled a goal back after 65 minutes.  Substitute Ian Lowe crashed in an excellent 25 yard effort which beat home 'keeper Taylor but crashed off of the Dufftown crossbar.  Visiting striker Atholl Cadger was more alert than the Dufftown defence however, and stroked home the rebound from close range.

Dufftown almost regained their three goal advantage after 70 minutes.  This time Mark Sanderson's through ball found Stuart Allan but visiting 'keeper Thomson did well, deflecting Allan's effort behind for a corner.

Formartine then missed a golden opportunity to make it 3-2 after 75 minutes.  Defender Liam Bain found Atholl Cadger in space in the Dufftown penalty area but his hooked effort beat home 'keeper Taylor before crashing off ofthe crossbar and being cleared to safety.

Dufftown substitute Mark McManus twice went close for his side in the closing stages.  A fine through ball from Alan Shearer saw McManus through on goal but again visiting keeper Thomson did well, racing to the edge of his penalty area and blocking the young attacker's shot.  Then a free-kick from Gary Spence found Blair McDonald in space and his header picked out McManus some 8 yards out but the ball went through McManus's legs and the chance was gone.

The full time whistle was blown a short time later and Dufftown can be pleased with their performance, picking up another win and maintaining the momentum generated by the win at Parkvale last weekend.