HIGHLAND LEAGUE
In the only Highland League fixture to go ahead yesterdqy because of the adverse weather, DEVERONVALE and CLACHNACUDDIN shared the points in horrendous weather conditions at Princess Royal Park.
The 0-0 final scoreline was testament that chances were at a premium as both sides struggled to create openings in the conditions.
Connor Bunce firedwide for the visitors after 10 minutes, while Vale’s best opening of the first 45 minutes fell to Jack Mitchell, who saw Miller Gamble clear the strikers effort of the goal line.
Clach saw a Zachary Macphee inswinging corner hit the post before Gamble fired wide on the ensuing goalmouth scramble.
Both sides made changes in an effort to break the deadlock, but the only winner on the day was the conditions as both teams settled for a point.
Overnight snow, followed by morning sleet and rain, wiped out all but one game in the North yesterday.
That will allow fans time to sit back and reflect on how things have gone so far for their side, while they digest their Christmas dinner and begin to look ahead to what 2024 may offer.
Currently, Brechin City sit atop of the Highland League as they seek to retain their title and secure a third try at winning the League Two play-offs.
However, City’s 82% points return doesn’t match that of their main title rivals Buckie Thistle.
With 31 points from their 12 games played, the Jags have an 86% return, the highest in the league.
Is it better to have the points in the bag or will Buckie match or exceed that points percentage in the remaining games?
That may come down to the Celtic effect. The Buckie Hoops will head to Glasgow in just under a month’s time to face the SPFL title holders in the Scottish Cup following a dream draw.
Their coffers will undoubtedly be bolstered, suggesting the potential for some key additions during the winter window, but will the player’s focus remain as strongly on the Highland League matches either side of that televised clash?
Whatever the impact of that match, the stats point towards this remaining a two-horse race with only Brora (75%), Formartine (73%) and Banks O’dee (71%) offering a points return that comes close to the 2 B’s.
At the bottom of the table, Strathspey will need a second-half surge similar to two seasons ago if they to amass a 20-point total that would give them a chance of avoiding the relegation spot.