AC Mill Inn Triumph in Stephen Shield Final Thriller at Balmoral Stadium

AC Mill Inn are celebrating a victory after lifting the Stephen Shield at Balmoral Stadium in Cove, defeating St Marnans in a dramatic final.

The Stonehaven side got off to a flying start, taking the lead in the 10th minute and holding onto their advantage until half-time. St Marnans responded early in the second half, finding the equaliser in the 52nd minute – a goal that would ultimately send the match into extra time after a tense and competitive 90 minutes.

In extra time, it was AC Mill Inn who struck first, regaining the lead just three minutes after the restart. As the minutes ticked away, it looked like that goal would be enough, but St Marnans had other ideas, netting a dramatic 119th-minute equaliser to force a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, AC Mill Inn kept their cool, winning 3-1 on penalties to secure the Stephen Shield, which now heads back to Stonehaven.

The Stephen Shield is contested by clubs in Division One North. St Marnans currently sit 4th in the league standings, with AC Mill Inn nine points behind in 8th position — but it was AC Mill Inn who came out on top when it mattered most.

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