Only three points will do the job for Deverondale
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Graeme Watt beats Wick goalkeeper James More to score Deveronvale’s third goal at Harmsworth Park on Saturday.
THE moment Deveronvale clinched their away win at Wick, the thoughts of the players and manager Stuart Anderson turned to Saturday’s Highland League championship showdown against Buckie on Saturday.
"We know now what we have to do – and that is to win," Anderson told the ‘Banffshire Journal’ yesterday (Monday).
After a disastrous opening to the league campaign which saw Vale lose four of their opening five games, the manager would never have dared hope his side would be challenging for the league title at the end of the season.
However, that is now the reality for a young squad of players who have put together a remarkable run of form since last September.
Now they have to go out and win their final game. Buckie, on the other hand, need only a draw at Victoria Park to retain the title.
Anderson said: "My players are looking forward to it, and are determined to put in the same effort they have shown all season
"It is going to be a great occasion and it is excellent for the Highland League for it to come down to the final game of the season.
"The fact that it is against Buckie just adds an extra element to it, and there will be a great atmosphere at the game.
"One team will be going home disappointed on Saturday and hopefully that is Buckie."
The Banffers came back from 1-0 down to see off Wick Academy 3-1 on Saturday.
Anderson said: "It’s always tough when you have to make the long trip up to Wick but the guys dug deep to pull out another good performance.
"It was disappointing to lose the first goal from the set-piece, as we were controlling the game. In our past few games we have gone a goal down and had to fight back. The players showed great character and we equalised just before half-time.
"In the second half, we really bullied them and we thoroughly deserved the win."
Deveronvale will have David Smith and Chris Mountford back for Saturday’s game, while Ross Mackenzie is a doubt with a back injury.
Meanwhile, Vale have been boosted by the news that defender Scott Henry has signed an extension to his contract which will keep him at Princess Royal Park till the summer of 2013.
Anderson added: "I’m delighted to get Scott on an extended deal and look forward to him being a key figure in our squad for years to come.
"He still has things to learn but his attitude and performance levels in his first league season have been excellent."
