Islavale’s proud 17-match Championship record ends in defeat at Longside but Keith men stay top of north junior football’s Championship

Islavale saw their 17-match winning league run ended on Saturday in north junior football’s Championship.

The league leaders were finally defeated 2-1 by Buchan hosts Longside but remain top of the table.

Trailing at the break, the Keith side drew level through Finlay Stables but Longside came up with a winner midway through the second half.

Vale now turn their attention to Sunday’s Elginshire Cup final against Deveronside at Maud.

The teams meet again two days later in a crucial league clash at Vale’s Simpson Park.

Vale lead Banks O’ Dee on goal difference at the top but have a game in hand, while Longside, Lossie United and Deveronside are all in contention for the other promotion places.

Goals by Alex Matczak and Noah Murray earned United a vital 2-1 win at Dufftown, with Kelvin Main replying for the Toonsers.

New Elgin lost 2-0 at Banks O’ Dee and Burghead Thistle drew 1-1 at Banchory St Ternan with Ryan MacBean getting Thistle’s equaliser late on.

Deveronside were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Hall Russell United. Jordan Russell put ‘Side ahead but they trailed until Owen Christie levelled on the hour.

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