Angus: Buckie can now focus on winning title
CHRIS ANGUS says Buckie Thistle’s title-chasing squad feared the worst on Thursday as Highland League officials met to rule on a player registration breach.
The emergency league committee cleared the Victoria Park club of blame for naming ineligible teenager Callum Murray as an unused substitute last weekend.
A reverse decision would have stripped Buckie of three points – and effectively handed Cove the championship trophy on a plate.
Buckie though produced documentary evidence they had gone through the proper channels to check Murray was free to take the field after a loan spell at Deveronvale.
The ruling now means the Jags will be crowned champions if they beat bottom side Strathspey Thistle at home today.
Angus, who has hit 22 goals from a deep-attacking role this season, said: “Everyone was thinking the worst but common sense has prevailed – and we have the chance to win the title now.
“On paper, it should be an easy job now but football is football – you can’t take anything for granted. We’ll go into it as we go into any game.
“It is down to us, 90 minutes, and hopefully we can do it on the park.” FOOTBALL TODAY (3pm unless stated)
Highland League – Buckie Thistle v Strathspey Thistle, Cove Rangers v Lossiemouth, Fraserburgh v Huntly, Rothes v Nairn County, Wick Academy v Formartine United.
Lowland League – BSC Glasgow v Whitehill Welfare, Cumbernauld Colts v Gala Fairydean, East Stirling v East Kilbride, Edinburgh Uni v Preston Ath, Gretna 2008 v Vale Of Leithen, Selkirk v Civil Service Stroller, Spartans v Dalbeattie Star, Stirling University v Hawick Roy.
(2pm unless stated) Scottish Junior Cup semi-final – Auchinleck Talbot v Linlithgow Rose, Bonnyrigg Rose v Glenafton (both 2.30). North Region Super League – Buckie Rovers v Stonehaven, Colony Park v Banks O’Dee, Deveronside v Maud, Dufftown v Culter, Hall Russell Utd v Banchory St. Ternan, Inverness City v Hermes.
First Division – Buchanhaven Hearts v Sunnybank, East End v Cruden Bay, Ellon Utd v Fraserburgh Utd, Burghead Th v Newmachar Utd (12.0). McLeman Cup quarter-final – Dyce v Newburgh Th (2.0).