Well done Banks o Dee & Glenafton

[HibeeJibee]

There was an openly acknowledged expectation among HL clubs to elect at least 1 club from each of the FA areas (North and Aberdeenshire) when they filled the 3 vacancies, to which there were 4 applications. Don't really understand why but it was explained in the papers as a sort of "balance of power" thing, and indeed both halfs possess 9 out of 18 members currently.

Strathspey had finished 5th in the 2nd tier of the North Juniors the season before, but were the only 'North' club to apply - so while their election caused a stir, it wasn't at all unexpected.


What was surprising was that among the 'Aberdeenshire' clubs Turriff (7th in North Junior Superleague) and Formartine (13th & relegated) were successful, while BoD (champions) weren't.

Especially so given BoD were existing Aberdeenshire FA members; had all facilities in place (e.g. seats + floodlights) while the others didn't; and had beaten Fort William in the Scottish Cup.

Within weeks of their rejection in February 2009, BoD reached the Aberdeenshire Shield Final - beating Buckie and Huntly on the way - where they lost 2-0 v HL holders Cove.