Deveronvale travelling to Buckie Thistle with hope and the desire to give their support something to cheer
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DEVERONVALE will travel to Buckie Thistle on Tuesday afternoon knowing that a result is possible – if they deliver a performance akin to the one in the reverse fixture just 10 days ago.
‘Vale manager Craig Stewart said that a “few breaks and questionable decisions” were the difference when his side lost 2-1 to their title-chasing local rivals Buckie before Christmas.
A similar performance could see ‘Vale grab their first result against the Jags since 2018.
“I don’t think we deserved to get beaten in the first game,” he said.
“The lads put in a shift and a few very questionable decisions were the difference.
“You need a bit of break along the way sometimes, too, and that was another difference.
“But it has given us hope for the game to come. If we can hit the heights in energy levels then it will be an interesting game again.
“It would be good to go there, get a result and pay back the fans. We are looking forward to it.”
Princess Royal Park saw its biggest crowd of the campaign on Friday, and ‘Vale will no doubt be well backed again at Victoria Park. That support isn’t going unnoticed.
“We had a good support at Brechin and were well supported on Friday night,” Stewart added.
“Hospitality was full and it was a good atmosphere. All of these things contribute and the boys respond to it.
“First and foremost a result gives us a points on the board, but it’d be good to payback supporters, especially since it’s been a while since we won at Buckie.”
A result against the Jags could do more than just provide Stewart’s team with points, it could prove to be the catalyst that the young side need to kick up the Highland League table.
“Getting that result against a top team would give them a boost,” he added.
“If you look at the table then there’s a significant gap but on Friday’s showing you wouldn’t have known that.
“I’ve said all season – despite being on the end of disappointing results, if not performances – that it’s a work in progress and we are getting there.
“There are a lot of things that they are doing well and me and my management team recognise that.
“The boys have never lacked confidence, or gone into a match not fancying themselves, but that result against a top side would give us a big boost.”
Another bonus has been the fight shown by ‘Vale – and that was evident in the reverse fixture.
“A bad tackle on Matt Jamieson started a bit of a melee against Buckie and it was good to see my players stick up for one another, “Stewart said.
“I’ll always back up my players and it’s good to see them doing the same.
“That wouldn’t have happened earlier this season but that togetherness is coming.
“The players, backroom team, management team, supporters – I always say we’ll be fine if we stick together.”
Despite his red card in the reverse fixture, Stewart will be back in the dugout.
‘Vale will be without Max Stewart, Robbie Allan and Jamie Tinnock, while Innes McKay will be touch and go. Defender Aaron Hamilton is set to return.
“Innes is only 22 but he’s having a very good season again and is an important player for us,” Stewart added. “It’ll be a blow if he doesn’t make it.”
