Islavale edge out Stoneywood Parkvale to reach north junior football’s premier Division play-off final where they will meet neighbours Deveronside
Two Banffshire foes will do battle for a place in north junior football’s top tier next season.
Islavale, who won the Championship in 2024 to gain promotion to the Premier Division, finished third bottom in the big league meaning they entered a relegation play-off.
The Keith side overcame Championship side Stoneywood Parkvale over two legs in the semi-finals, and on Wednesday they take on neighbours Deveronside, who won the other semi-final.
Vale had to dig deep for Saturday’s victory over their Aberdeen opponents, who came fifth in the Championship.
The first leg in Aberdeen saw Islavale battle back from 2-0 down for a 2-2 draw, with goals from Ricky Henderson (pen) and Kieran Hayllar.
Last weekend’s Simpson Park rematch was a tense affair with Vale missing some good chances.
The home side did edge on front after 26 minutes when Forres Mechanics loan youngster Hayllar repeated his first leg goal by converting a Finlay Milton cross.
But the game was back in the melting pot when Stoneywood Parkvale equalised right on the stroke of half time.
The winning goal arrived for Vale 18 minutes from the end, ex-Deveronvale man Charlie Hay driving home from a Karl Harris knockdown.
The Aberdonians hit the woodwork but Islavale held on to edge through 4-3 on aggregate.
On Wednesday they head to Longside for the one-off final at 8pm against ‘Side, who edged out Hall Russell United on penalties in the other semi-final.
‘Side won the Elginshire Cup on Sunday with a 1-0 victory over New Elgin at Dufftown.