The Deesiders had previously won the competition in 1988/89, 1992/93 and 2000/01 and goals from Lewis McKimmie and Martin Cooper was enough to earn victory at Hillhead.

Culter almost took the lead in the first minute when Matt Robertson set Lewis McKimmie free but Kyle Reid in the Hermes goal made a fine save to deny the striker.

Hermes then began to dominate for a period with both Ryan Sinclair and Scott McKay going close.

The Bridge of Don side took the lead in the 10th minute when Mark Hamilton suckered the home defence by shaping up for a short corner which drew out three Culter defenders but instead he swung in a long ball to Lee Smith who powered home a peach of a header.

Hermes continued to push and Murray Rattray had to look lively to head behind with Craig Macklin in close attendance before the Deesiders eventually came to life with Allan Youngson finding Allan Smith who brought out a good save from Kyle Reid.

Hermes then survived a big shout for a penalty in the 29th minute but the referee waved play on before Allan Smith tried his luck but his parting shot was weak.

The Deesiders eventually got on level terms when Colin Craik flicked on a long ball and Lewis McKimmie was on it in a flash to power a drive into the net past a bewildered Hermes 'keeper.

Culter certainly had their tails up now and Ryan Stott had a tremendous effort saved spectacularly by the Hermes custodian.

The Crombie Park side snuck in front in the 40th minute when an Allan Youngson corner eventually fell to Martin Cooper who deftly sent a lob across the box and into the back of the net.

Moments later Grant Campbell looked to have handled in the box but once again no penalty was given.

Hermes pushed for an equaliser early in the second period but Keith Wilson was denied by Andy McIntosh who pulled off an accomplished save before Culter began a period of total domination with Murray Rattray going close on two occasions.

Culter then sent on Martin Shand for stand-in skipper Allan Smith to try and inject some life into the game but Martin Cooper had to come to the rescue when he diverted a goal-bound Scott McKay drive.

The Hermes team were beginning to look a spent outfit as the half progressed but Culter were dealt a blow when Matt Robertson had to be taken off injured and he was replaced by Richard Wyness.

Colin Craik almost added number three when the long serving midfielder flashed a shot agonisingly over. Adam Wilson also came on in the dying minutes and almost made telling contribution but his blistering volley whistled past the upright.

A jubilant Culter side celebrated when the final whistle went after over seven minutes of injury time.

Hermes: Reid, Winton, Smith, Freeland, Campbell, Sinclair, Hamilton, Wilson, McKay, Sim, Macklin. Substitutes: McInstrey, McKendrick, Morrison, Irvine.

Culter: McIntosh, Kelly, Rattray, M.Robertson, Cooper, Donald, Youngson, Smith, Craik, McKimmie, Stott. Substitutes: Shand, Wyness, Wilson, Sim, Stewart, Farquhar.

Referee: T Shaw. Assistant referees: M Stewart and G Patrone. Fourth official: C Veitch.