Buckie Thistle aim to close gap with Deveronvale win
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Buckie Thistle boss Graeme Stewart says his side “need” to beat Deveronvale this afternoon as they look to keep pace with Highland League leaders Brechin City.
The Jags will welcome Vale to Victoria Park having edged a fiery derby encounter with their local rivals last week.
However, Stewart has urged his side to complete a quick-fire double over Vale to keep their title dreams alive.
“We know a lot about them now and we know they’re a good team,” Stewart said.
“I was over the moon with the win last week given the circumstances because we had seven players out and we hadn’t played in a few weeks.
“Any win away from home is a good win so I was delighted with that.
“But we need to beat Vale at home. That’s a fact.
“No disrespect to them but if we don’t do that then you’re not going to win the league.
“If you drop points against teams that aren’t in the top four or five then that’s normally what will cost you.
“Brechin will beat most teams at home so I think we’re going to have to win most of our games from now until the end of the season.”
Having contended with a number of absentees in their 2-1 victory against Vale last time out, the Jags will welcome back a number of first team regulars this afternoon.
That should see Max Barry, Ryan Fyffe and top goalscorer Josh Peters restored to the starting line-up while experienced defender Lewis MacKinnon could also make his return.
“The squad is looking much better,” Stewart said.
“We’ve got Josh Peters, Max Barry and Ryan Fyffe all returning.
“That’s three top Highland League players so I’m delighted with that because that will make us much stronger.”
Despite welcoming back a trio of regular starters, Stewart has called on fringe players to show more consistency.
He said: “I keep saying to them that if they want to play every week then they’ve got to be consistent.
“Last week some of them showed that and maybe some of them didn’t but that’s the challenge for the boys that aren’t starting at the moment.”
Stewart also confirmed that long-term absentees Kevin Fraser and Sam Morrison are unlikely to make a return to action any time soon.
“If we get them back in January I’d be delighted but I think it’s more likely February which is unfortunate,” he added.
“We’ll take our time with them but it’s important that when they come back they’re totally ready to go.”
