Deveronvale 2 Lossiemouth 0: 'Vale boss "delighted" as side get off the mark
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DEVERONVALE boss Craig Stewart was pleased as his side won their first home match of the season against Lossiemouth on Saturday.
’Vale took the lead four minutes into first-half stoppage time through Dane Ballard, with Kyle MacKillop-Hall’s second- half strike sealing all three points at Princess Royal Park.
“I was delighted with the performance overall,” Stewart said. “We were really good. The only disappointing thing was that we didn’t score five, six or seven.
“We created a lot of chances and got ourselves into positions really well. We had a game plan and the players stuck to it really well.
“It was important we picked up the points, but it’s not just the win but the way the players went about it.”
There were several performances that impressed Stewart – with praise for both goalscorers, as well as the defence, which shut Lossiemouth out effectively.
Stewart added: “Kyle (MacKillop-Hall) broke his collar bone after signing last season. He took a while to come back and missed a bit of pre-season, so it was good for him to get a goal. He probably should have had another too.
“Dane (Ballard) had a great game. His work rate was unbelievable. A lot of his work goes unnoticed but he is getting back to the level he was at.
“Sean (McIntosh, goalkeeper) has had a very good start to the season. He didn’t have much to do, but what he did have to do he did very well.
“Aaron (Hamilton) and Innes (McKay) didn’t put a foot wrong at centre-half and Jay (Goldie) and Harry (Noble) were good at full-back. It’s great to have Harry back – he has made a big difference.
"Jay is just 18 but hasn’t looked out of place and gets stuck into challenges.”
The win over Lossie came after a penalty shootout victory for ’Vale at Hermes on Wednesday night.
Youngster Toni Jam grabbed his first ’Vale goal after Hermes had taken the lead, before Stewart’s side went on to progress on penalty kicks.
The next round will pit ’Vale against Formartine United, who also came through on spot-kicks after a 2-2 draw with Buckie Thistle. That match is scheduled for Wednesday, August 17.
This Saturday, it’s a trip to Grantown-on-Spey and early stragglers Strathspey Thistle.
The Jags have lost both of their games, 4-0 to Forres Mechanics and 6-1 to Formartine United.
But ’Vale drew at Strathy last campaign and Stewart will not be taking the trip south lightly.
“We need to get to the same level as we did on Saturday,” Stewart added.
“If we do then we’ll win the game. But Strathspey is a difficult place to go so we’ll have to be at our best to get three points.
“We don’t want to be dragged into any relegation or play-off scrap come the end of the season, so getting points on the board early is important.”
