PICTURES: Highland League derby between Keith and Buckie Thistle postponed just 15 minutes before kick-off - Jags manager Graeme Stewart says it was the right decision
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THE decision to call off Buckie Thistle’s match at Keith on Saturday just 15 minutes before kick-off was the right one, according to Jags boss Graeme Stewart.
Kynoch Park was shrouded in mist and pitch conditions worsened as temperatures continued to drop, leaving referee Greg Soutar with no choice but to postpone the league derby.
Keith had declared the match on during the morning, but by the time the teams arrived at the ground, it was clear that the weather had not improved.
“It was called off at 2.45pm and it was the right decision,” said Stewart. “Everybody seemed to get a bit over excited, but I think at 11am, Keith wanted to give it the best opportunity to go ahead.
“They thought the weather would improve, the temperature would go up and the pitch would thaw so they decided to get a pitch inspection at 2pm. Everybody wanted the game on.
“Keith is only 40 minutes away, so we weren’t too worried and we went up. The fog and mist hadn’t disappeared, the temperature didn’t go up so it was probably the right call.
“I would rather clubs took a risk to try and get games on as opposed to putting them off at 8am or 9am when the weather could improve.
"A lot of folk are saying it’s a joke, but it’s a shame for the fans that turned up more than anything.”
The Buckie squad’s journey wasn’t completely wasted, as they were given permission by Keith to train on the pitch, even though it wasn’t deemed playable for competitive action.
That was a worthwhile exercise for Jags, who have turned their attention to tonight’s Aberdeenshire Shield semi final at home to Banks o’ Dee.
“We trained for 45 minutes, just a bit of running and the boys got something out of it so it was worthwhile,” Stewart added.
“Tuesday’s game is massive and we need to try and prepare for it as best we can.”
Jags are 90 minutes away from a cup final against Huntly, who defeated Inverurie Locos 2-1 last Wednesday. But Stewart knows this week’s junior opponents are as strong as any Highland League rival.
“Banks o’ Dee have beaten a lot of Highland League clubs in the last couple of years and we know it’s going to be very hard,” he said.
“We need to be at our best and we are looking forward to it, it’s a big game.
“If Banks o’ Dee come into the Highland League there’s no doubt they are going to be in the top four or five and within a couple of years they will be challenging to win the league.
“I’ve watched them many times, I know all their players and they are a very, very good team.”
Jags will have Sam Urquhart back after missing the recent win over Turriff United, while a scan on Kyle MacLeod’s knee injury has revealed there is no ligament tear or rupture and the striker could be fit to return to action in January.
Declan Milne will soon be loaned out to Dyce Juniors to help him gain match fitness after a long injury lay-off, but the striker could feature to help Jags out in the meantime.
