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Deveronvale's under-18s crowned Highland League champions after 6-1 win over Clachnacuddin


By Jonathan Clark

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Deveronvale's title winning side, who defeated Clachnacuddin 6-1 in the final.
Deveronvale's title winning side, who defeated Clachnacuddin 6-1 in the final.

DEVERONVALE’S under-18s have been crowned champions of the Highland League after an emphatic 6-1 final victory against Clachnacuddin.

‘Vale won the league east’s region at the end of March, but had to wait almost two months for the play-off with north section winners Clach, which took place at The Gleaner Arena beside Borough Briggs in Elgin.

A first-half brace from Antonio Jam was added to by an Aleksander Dlugosz header as Vale led 3-1 at half-time – despite a freak goal from Clach’s goalkeeper.

Deveronvale lift the title at the Gleaner Arena beside Borough Briggs in Elgin.
Deveronvale lift the title at the Gleaner Arena beside Borough Briggs in Elgin.

A big victory was wrapped up after the break thanks to a Seb Holod hat-trick.

Head of youth Kevin Stewart was delighted with the performance from his side, for whom the trophy win marks the end of a superb season.

“We only lost two games in the east section and won the league by six points so the boys have been outstanding,” he said.

“It was fully deserved that we made the final and to beat Clach was great.

“I wouldn’t say the match was a cruise, but we were well on top from start to finish, bar a 10-minute spell.

“I’m very proud of the lads, they’ve been outstanding from the start until the end of the season.

“After the game, it was an unbelievable experience and atmosphere. There was a real buzz about the place.

“They got their hands on the trophy and they were ecstatic – there were plenty of sing-songs in the dressing room before the bus back.”

Vale players celebrate as the full-time whistle blows at The Gleaner Arena.
Vale players celebrate as the full-time whistle blows at The Gleaner Arena.

Clach came into the final having won 19 of their 20 league matches – but Vale were in confident mood and dominated proceedings.

For Vale, the cup win is a bit of history – it’s the first time that the club’s under-17s or under-18s have won the Highland League trophy. The club did win the east section in 2014-15, but lost the final.

The ultimate goal for the majority of these cup winners now is to make themselves first team regulars.

Seven of the final squad have already made their Deveronvale debuts – and Stewart believes that some are capable of even more than regular Highland League football.

“The majority of the boys will be with us at first team pre-season,” he said.

“We’ll lose four to university but it’s a massive opportunity for the lads that are staying to go and play first team football.

“It’s up for them to work, prepare for pre-season and then do the business.

“There is a pathway there for these boys to progress but it’s up to them to work hard and get on with it.

“Vale is not a club that’s going to spend fortunes on players so we have got to rely on youth coming through.

“A lot of these lads have potential, some even to play higher than Highland League.

“We are delighted to give them the opportunity to show what they can do moving into adult football.

“They are full of confidence and excited for pre-season.”

Vale’s first team manager Craig Stewart has only missed one under-18s match of 16 throughout the season – keeping a close eye on who’s performing well and who’s ready for the move up.

He was in attendance at the final, too, where he presented Jayden Goldie with the Lee Henderson Trophy for Vale’s most improved under-19s player of the season.

Jayden Goldie is presented with the Lee Henderson Trophy for most-improved under-19s player by Deveronvale first team manager Craig Stewart.
Jayden Goldie is presented with the Lee Henderson Trophy for most-improved under-19s player by Deveronvale first team manager Craig Stewart.

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