By Charlie Allan

Banks o’ Dee midfielder Mark Gilmour is delighted he went from sunning himself in Spain to scoring his first hat-trick in senior football.

Mark notched up his first treble as we hammered Keith 8-0 in our Breedon Highland League clash at Spain Park.

That was despite spending the week leading up to match on holiday in Marbella and only returning to Aberdeen on Saturday morning.

Mark, who has now netted four times in his last two appearances for Dee, said: “I was surprised to be told I was actually starting against Keith.

“I only got back to Aberdeen an hour or so before we were asked to turn up for the game, so it was a bit of a mad dash.

“I’m delighted how things worked out though because the manager said he would be having words with me if I didn’t put in a decent performance.

“Helping us win in such an emphatic manner was the most pleasing thing, but it was nice to get the three goals as well.

“It’s my first hat-trick at senior level, I never managed one in the Juniors, although I did get a few when I was playing boys club football.

“It means a lot and I’m hoping I can deliver a few more goals as we go through the season.

“It’s brilliant we got a clean sheet too.

“The boys at the back haven’t been given too much praise so far, but they were brilliant and gave us the confidence needed to push forward and create chances.”

Mark believes the signing of veteran Highland League striker Neil Gauld in the summer will help his bid to become a regular goal-grabber at that level too.

Mark said: “Neil was an important part of the win over Keith.

“He linked up the play, scored a great goal and also set up another two, including one of mine.

“Neil is a joy to play alongside and I also feel the benefits from being able to train alongside him.

“I’m sure we are all going to reap rewards from having a player with Neil’s talent and experience in our squad.”

Mark accepts Wednesday’s trip to face Turriff United at The Haughs will be a far tougher test than the victory over Keith.

He said: “It will be a challenge, but it’s one we are all looking forward to.”