Park life suits Noble as Vale defeat Locos

Interim Deveronvale manager Grant Noble hailed his team for their energy after Ryan Park’s late winner to beat Inverurie Locos 2-1 gave him his first win since taking the reins at Princess Royal Park.

On a day when the strong wind interfered with both sides’ attempts to play football, Locos went ahead after just six minutes when Aidan Wilson fired low beyond Sean McIntosh from 25 yards.

The Vale custodian then made two brilliant close-range reflex stops from Lloyd Robertson to ensure the visitors only had a one-goal advantage at half-time and the home side levelled within two minutes of the restart, when Cameron Angus pounced to score for the third time in two games.

Just as it looked as though there would be no further scoring, with four minutes left, a scramble saw the ball break to Park just inside the Locos box and his deflected crossgoal strike found the net.

Noble thought his players were rewarded after giving their all for the cause.

He said: “I said to the boys after the game they deserved to get the win with their willingness to work for each other and also their spirit, so yes that was reward for the last few weeks’ performances.

“It has been tough to take losing late goals, so to get one in our advantage to get the win was deserved.

“Also a big thanks to Deveronside for allowing us to have Kean Mathieson – and he didn’t look out of place as he competed and worked hard throughout the 90 minutes.”

Locos manager Dean Donaldson felt they were poor in possession, but should have been further ahead at the break, saying: “Although the wind ruined the game, especially in the second half as the wind got stronger, it would probably have been fair to be three goals ahead at half-time.

“Their keeper had some great saves, but it is the old adage that if you don’t take your chances, you don’t win games.”