Buckie Thistle 1 Formartine United 0: Jags score late winner ahead of potential Brechin City title decider
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BUCKIE Thistle secured what could prove to be a crucial three points in their pursuit of Highland League glory against Formartine United at Victoria Park on Saturday.
It looked set to be a frustrating afternoon’s work for the Jags as they toiled against a resolute United side.
However, with just one minute to play, substitute Kyle MacLeod popped up at the back post to force a late Andy MacAskill corner over the line.
MacLeod’s winner made it two games in a row where the Jags have scored late to keep their title charge on course and Buckie boss Graeme Stewart was pleased to see his side do it again.
Stewart said: “I’m delighted that we can do that. It shows we have character and a real belief.
“But I rather we didn’t have to because I’m not sure my heart can take it.
“Overall, I thought it was a great performance apart from the first 15 minutes maybe.
“They’re one of the best teams in the league and they’ve been on a great run so I think to have limited them to very few chances and with the amount we had, it was well deserved.”
The Jags could have fallen behind moments after kick off when Julian Wade was sent through into the Buckie box.
However, the United front-man’s effort was saved and eventually held by Lee Herbert.
Wade went close again when Daniel Park’s cross found him six yards out, only for the former Brechin City man to fire wide with the goal at his mercy.
Wade’s profligacy came back to bite the visitors as Buckie took charge of the match in the second half.
However, big chances for Jack Murray, Josh Peters and Max Barry, the latter of which saw his effort crash off the crossbar, went begging as the visitors faced a Buckie barrage.
The United defence had coped admirably with a seemingly endless loop of late corners.
But a late MacAskill delivery found MacLeod at the back post and despite Ewen MacDonald saving the initial effort, MacLeod managed to poke the rebound over the line.
The result leaves Buckie four points clear of Brechin City who have a game in hand to be played against Keith on Wednesday.
And, barring a major upset which would see Buckie crowned champions, the two sides are set to go head to head on the final day of the season on Saturday for the league title.
“It’s going to be the hardest game we’ve had all season,” Stewart added.
“We’re at home and we’re playing well so we’ve got a chance but so do they.
“Its going to be a huge game. I’m sure there will be a big crowd here. We hope we can go and do it for the Buckie fans because they’ve been waiting long enough for another trophy. “It’s in our hands but we know it’s going to take a massive effort from the players. Fingers crossed we can do it.
“The approach won’t change (Buckie only need a point to win the league).
“We can’t play any other way really. We always go forward and try to score goals. I’m not even sure if we’ve been involved in a nil nil this season. We score goals. That’s what we do.
“We’re attacking. We’ve got great flair players in our team and there is no way I’ll be putting the handbrake on them so we’ll be disciplined in defence and attack but we’ll be trying to win the game.”
