Deveronvale manager Craig Stewart thrilled by Highland League win at Nairn County and striker Dane Ballard's first goal in three years
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DEVERONVALE picked up an invaluable three points after a hard-fought 2-0 win against Nairn County at Station Park on Saturday.
Dane Ballard’s first competitive goal since 2018 was added to by a superb effort from Robert Scott to seal the victory – which is the first of manager Craig Stewart’s reign.
Stewart was delighted to get off the mark, especially with a tricky-looking run of fixtures in the next couple of weeks.
“It was a big three points and big performance,” he said. “I thought we worked really hard and thoroughly deserved to win.
“The lads at the back defended well when we needed to and we were a threat going forward.
“The Brora performance wasn’t bad, but we kept the ball a lot better and created a lot more chances on Saturday.
“There were a few doubters before the match, but we had a go at it and it paid off.
“It was fine to get my first three points on the board as manager, but it was important for the group of players, with the start we have got, to get something on Saturday.
“We hope this can be a confidence builder.”
Dane Ballard’s opening goal marked his return to scoring after a long injury lay-off was followed up by
a coronavirus-enforced break in Highland League action.
Stewart always had full faith in the ability of his striker.
He said: “The thing people need to remember is that Dane was injured for about 18 months, and we have had Covid-19. As much as the fact is true he hadn’t scored a competitive goal since 2018, it’s not like he hasn’t been scoring through full seasons since 2018.
“I wasn’t concerned about Dane. It was never in
doubt that his goal was going to come sooner rather than later. Hopefully he kicks on now and gets a few more to get that confidence going.”
For ’Vale, attention now turns to this Saturday’s clash with Brechin City at Princess Royal Park.
The Glebe Park side have started with back-to-back home victories against Turriff United and Keith.
This will be the first competitive meeting between Deveronvale and Brechin.
Stewart said: “It’s always nice to play somebody else.
“They will fancy their chances of winning the Highland League, and I think they will be there or thereabouts as they have had a good start, but we go in with confidence following our first two performances.
“We aren’t going in to make up the numbers, we are going to get a result.”
After Saturday’s clash with Brechin comes the Fisherman’s Derby with Buckie Thistle.
Stewart is still working on improving his squad, but said “a bit of patience” will be required for the time being.
