Vale boss vows: We'll be back
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Even after the agonising defeat, Deveronvale manager Scott Anderson showed great character in immediately talking to journalists on Saturday, as Buckie Thistle celebrated their Highland League win.
IT MAY have been defeat for Deveronvale at Victoria Park on Saturday but for manager Scott Anderson it has been a season to remember.
The Banffers came agonisingly close to clinching the Highland League title, but it was not to be for Anderson’s men who have had a remarkablecampaign, starting from the bottom and ending up fighting for the title in the last 45 minutes of their season.
Anderson, who has spent his first season as sole manager after the departure of co-manager Stuart Glennie, admitted the defeat was a blow but knows his players will be back fighting next season.
"The defeat is really a sore one at the moment, as we came so close, but I must praise the players who have been outstanding all season.
"It was a difficult game, and we didn’t perform to the level we have shown earlier in the season.
"Buckie were slightly the better team and the pitch was hard, which suited them and they won a lot of balls.
"The turning point of the game was losing the equaliser so early in the first half. I said to the players if we can keep them from scoring in the first 10-15 minutes after the break, we may be able to see out the match, but it wasn’t to be."
Though the defeat is raw at the moment, Anderson believes the players will be determined to succeed next season and has been delighted at the great campaign that has passed.
"It has been a brilliant season and one that will stick in the memory of myself, the players and staff, and the fans.
"I have been delighted by the application and commitment of the players, and there has certainly been more ups than downs.
"Back at the start of the season when we were at the bottom, few people would have believed we would have been fighting for the title in the last 45 minutes of our campaign.
"The massive positive has been that we have produced six young players who have played brilliantly. They now have a season under their belts and will be ready to get going again.
"The supporters have also been fantastic and they have backed us all the way throughout the year.
"We will learn from the defeat and it will be to our advantage, as we will be determined to do it next season."
