Banks O' Dee 1 Buckie Thistle 3: Ideal start to big week for title-chasing Jags
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BUCKIE Thistle made the best possible start to a defining week in their quest to become Highland League champions with a 3-1 win over Banks O’ Dee.
Having lost to the Aberdeen side on penalties in the cup last weekend, Buckie put things right with a come-from-behind success at Spain Park to move five points clear of Brechin City at the top of the table.
While Brechin have games in hand, Buckie have the chance to extend that gap to eight points when they take on Brora Rangers – who manager Graeme Stewart also considers title contenders – on Wednesday night.
“We have seven games left and if we win all seven we have won the league,” Stewart said.
“Last season we were chasing and hoping Fraserburgh slipped up. This season we still have to play Brechin so it’s in our hands and their hands as well.
“I think we have the toughest run in. We have massive games coming up and are playing six teams in the top 10 in our last seven matches.
“We hope to get a win at Brora, but they are one of the best teams in the league and still have a chance at the title if they beat us, with Brechin to play too.
“We showed great character and ability against Banks O’ Dee to come back. We showed what Buckie are all about.
“Now we have just got to keep free from injuries and keep going.”
The goals in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Banks O’ Dee were scored by Andy MacAskill (2) and Josh Peters, after Lachie Macleod had given the hosts a third-minute lead.
In the build-up to the game, Stewart criticised Banks O’ Dee for their antics – including celebrating misses in the penalty shoot-out – in their cup win at Victoria Park.
However, after Saturday’s win, Stewart admitted that many of his comments were made out of frustration.
“I was probably a bit too harsh on them,” he said.
“I was a bit frustrated as it was a game we should have won and a poor refereeing decision to send off our player cost us.
“I was disappointed with some of their behaviour but I shouldn’t have said what I said, especially with playing them in the next game.
“I added pressure to the game, which I shouldn’t have done.
“I spoke to their management team after Saturday’s game and apologised, and they accepted that.”
Inclement weather means there is still uncertainty about Wednesday night’s clash at Dudgeon Park – but Buckie will need to know early if the game is on as they will set off for the north at 2pm.
If it does take place, the match will provide the chance for the Jags to move to 74 points – eight clear of Brechin City, who would then have three games in hand.
Buckie will then host Rothes at Victoria Park on Saturday, while Brechin City, whose home match with Brora was called off at the weekend, travel to Kynoch Park to take on Keith.
If Buckie are to win the title, Andy MacAskill will have played a big part.
Stewart added: “He’s one of the best players in the league right, if not the best.
“He’s a massive part of our team with his quality, but he puts in so much efforts, runs as much as his legs will let him, tackles and gets back and wins headers.
“There’s more to him than just ability, he’s a real leader.”
