Deveronside beat Buckie Rovers to lift first trophy since 2001

DEVERONSIDE won the Elginshire Cup on Sunday to end an 18-year junior football trophy wait.

The Banffshire outfit defeated Buckie Rovers 4-2 in an action-packed final at Elgin City's Borough Briggs stadium.

Side's match-winning hero was defender Jamie McKinnon, who scored two of three penalties awarded to his team and took over in goal when keeper Ethan Murray went off injured.

"It's been a good cup final for me and I’m happy just to play my part for the team and help us get a win," said McKinnon.

Joel Watt's fine volley gave the Banff side the lead on 16 minutes, only for Russell McLaughlin to equalise within a minute.

Chris Blackhall then hit the bar for Side, who regained their lead before half time through a McKinnon penalty after Kyle Rae was fouled by Liam Wood.

Player boss John McLeay headed Side into a 3-1 lead before Rovers sub Lucas Davidson scored a sublime free kick with his first touch.

Murray soon went off injured to be replaced by defender McKinnon, who was taken off penalty duties when Michael Gauld upended Blackhall for a second Side penalty 15 minutes from time.

McLeay took the kick instead and fired over the bar.

However when Wood conceded another penalty for a challenge on Side sub Damian Wojcik, McKinnon came forward from his goalkeeping position to convert the kick and clinch Deveronside's first cup success since 2001.

Interview with cup final hero McKinnon and more pictures in tomorrow's Banffshire Journal.

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