The Reigning champions claimed the points thanks to Martin Charlesworth's clinical seven-minute finish in a keenly-contested and action packed festive derby.

A minute's silence was observed before the game for former Buckie and Rothes full-back Willie Allan who was part of the Jags 1957-58 championship winning side - he passed away recently at the age of 75.

The game burst into life in the seventh minute when the home side stormed into the lead. Paul Napier's cross was flicked on by Neil Davidson into the path of Martin Charlesworth who took the ball first-time and steered it high past the helpless James Blanchard in the Vale goal.

It took a great block by Scott Fraser on the edge of the six-yard box to stop a fierce Hamish Munro free kick as Buckie went in search of a second goal on the quarter hour mark.

Shortly after Deveronvale's Chris Blackhall was the first name in referee Matt Northcroft's black book for conceding three free kicks in quick succession.

The visitors were presented with a great opportunity in the 23rd minute but former Vale skipper Mark Chisholm was in the right place to block Mike McKenzie's ferocious 25-yard free kick.

The game was being played at a furious pace with plenty of action to keep the 1,200 fans warm on a chilly night at Victoria Park.

Deveronvale's first real chance came in the 33rd minute but home goalkeeper Kevin Main was well-placed to palm away Grant Noble's 25-yard strike.

Chisholm had the ball in the Deveronvale net right on half-time but the effort was disallowed for a foul challenge on goalkeeper Blanchard seconds earlier.

At the interval the Banffers brought on Scott Henry in place of full back Ross McKenzie who picked up a first half injury. The visitors almost levelled in the 57th minute when another dangerous Mike McKenzie free kick picked out Graeme Watt but his downward header flew a foot wide of the upright.

It took a superb last-gasp tackle by Deveronvale defender Leigh Henderson on Zander Sutherland, just as the winger was about to pull the trigger, to prevent the champions from doubling their advantage in the 65th minute.

Another McKenzie drive sailed over the top as the Banff side went in search of the equaliser.

At the other end a Gary Clark effort also crept over the crossbar after he was played in by Jags substitute Shawn Scott.

It took a fabulous flying save by Buckie goalkeeper Main to tip over a ferocious Grant Noble 25-yard drive that had goal written all over it in the 80th minute but again Vale were denied.

Deveronvale were reduced to 10-men in the 86th minute when Graeme Rodger was somewhat harshly shown his second yellow of the night for a foul on Davie MacRae.

There was no more scoring as Buckie sent out notice that they will not be relinquishing the Highland League easily.

Report Dave Edwards, Press & Journal