Deveronvale 1 - 1 Aberdeen

An Aberdeen development eleven headed up to Banff to help former Dons keeper James Blanchard celebrate his Testimonial. James, now 33, was on the books at Pittodrie some 15 years ago before joining his hometown team where he is now goalkeeping coach.

The Dons nearly made a sensational start as Bruce Anderson hit the post after only 20 seconds, then hit the bar in the 4th minute.

But it was the home side who took a shock lead on 15 minutes when Grant Noble fired a spectacular twenty yard effort past a helpless Sam Jackson to make it 1-0.

The Pittodrie youngsters drew level on 23 minutes courtesy of an Anderson penalty after a foul on Ramsay.

Six minutes later Willox came close for Vale then an overhead kick from Munro crashed off Jackson?s post.

Just before the break Seb Ross fired just wide after good break on left.

Half time ? Deveronvale 1 Aberdeen XI 1

The game continued to entertain a decent crowd on a damp evening despite wholesale substitutions in the second period.

James Blanchard produced heroics to deny Ramsay and Anderson before a break by the Vale ended with Charlesworth shooting narrowly wide.

David Dangana came close to winning the game for the Dons before Blanchard took his leave to a well-deserved standing ovation.

There was still time for his replacement Grant Pennet to make a couple of fine stops from Barry and Bollan to ensure the game finished all square.

Full time ? Deveronvale 1 Aberdeen XI 1