Banks o' Dee 1-1 Forfar Athletic: Competitive Challenge Cup Clash Ends Evenly

Banks o' Dee and Forfar Athletic played out a competitive 1-1 draw in the Scottish Bells Challenge Cup on 9 September 2026. In a match that offered plenty of endeavour from both sides, neither team was able to find a winning goal, leaving the tie finely balanced as the final whistle arrived.

A closely fought cup contest

Banks o' Dee, representing one of the strongest non-league outfits in the north of Scotland, gave a good account of themselves against a side from the SPFL. Their organisation and discipline made it difficult for Forfar to establish a foothold, and it was the home team who kept asking questions in the opening exchanges with direct, purposeful running.

Forfar Athletic, for their part, displayed the composure expected of a senior side. They kept the ball well in midfield and created a number of openings through patient build-up play. The opener came from a well-constructed move, with Forfar taking the lead and looking to control the tempo.

Banks o' Dee respond and push for more

Rather than sitting back, Banks o' Dee responded positively. The equaliser arrived after a spell of sustained pressure, with the home side converting from a set-piece situation to bring the clash level. It was no less than their effort deserved, with their pressing game causing problems for the visitors throughout.

The closing stages were open and entertaining, with both teams pushing for a decisive goal. Forfar enjoyed more possession in the final minutes, while Banks o' Dee used quick breaks to threaten on the counter. In the end, a draw was a fair result in a fixture that showcased the competitive gap being bridged between non-league football and the SPFL.

What the result means

For the neutral, this was an absorbing 90 minutes of cup action. Banks o' Dee will take great confidence from having matched and occasionally outplayed an SPFL opponent, while Forfar Athletic will be relieved that they remain in the tie heading into the next stage. With the score at 1-1, there is little to separate the two teams, and the interest in this Bells Challenge Cup fixture is sure to carry over to the next meeting.