Buckie Thistle manager Graeme Stewart says Jags will keep fighting for Highland League glory despite shock defeat at Wick Academy ahead of crucial Brechin City encounter
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Manager Graeme Stewart insisted Buckie Thistle will keep fighting for the Highland League title despite Saturday's setback at Wick.
The Jags' 3-1 defeat at Harmsworth Park leaves them 10 points behind Brechin City with two games in hand ahead of the leaders' visit to Victoria Park on Wednesday night.
"If we win all our games then I'll be very surprised if we don't win the league," Stewart said. "The boys have given me everything."
Marc Macgregor opened the scoring on 13 minutes when he took possession on the edge of the penalty area, made space for himself and dispatched a shot beyond the diving Tom Ritchie.
Kyle Henderson doubled the lead after 23 minutes when he took advantage of the wind blowing up the park by swinging in a corner from the right which flew into the net at the far post without anyone getting a touch.
Macgregor made the points safe on 86 minutes with another clinical finish after an effort by Ryan Campbell had been blocked by the keeper. Macgregor seized on the loose ball, twisted and fired it into the far corner.
Buckie pulled one back a minute later when Jack Murray swept in a low shot from the edge of the box.
Stewart said: "I think we played quite well in the first half. We didn't take our chances and we gave away two really poor goals from our point of view.
"Sam Morrison is a top player but he made a mistake for their first goal and then an inswinging corner, the keeper has got to do better – so two mistakes. I think we dominated the first half.
"In the second half we lacked composure and I had a wee bit of a go at them about that. We were trying to force things. I changed the shape two or three times.
"I think that on another day you play that game, we win it maybe seven or eight times out of ten. That's just me being honest.
"The games are catching up on us and we've got a few injuries. There are loads of reasons – I'm not giving excuses.
"Although Brechin are not playing Saturday/Wednesday like we are, unfortunately, I think we've still got a realistic chance if we win all our games, which is a big ask.
"We're not giving up. We're going to be fighting all the way and hopefully that starts on Wednesday."
