Once again, Deveronvale stand between the Jags and progress in the replacement for the Qualifying Cup.

Both sides scored emphatic wins in midweek, in their Aberdeenshire Cup ties, Vale winning 5-3 against Banks O' Dee, while the Jags made a few people sit up, for sure, with a systematic, 2-4 demolition of Cove Rangers, at Allan Park, coming from 2-1 behind, to wipe the floor with "The Toonsers".

Pleasing for the Jags supporters were the two goals contributed by close season, big money transfer man, Craig MacMillan, who certainly spoiled his former team's night and could have so nearly had a hat-trick, but for an unlucky offside decision which went against him.

Lewis MacKinnon and former Don, Brian Neill, who has taken the eye with his classy distribution, addded to the tally and overall, the Jags were by far the superior side.

As ever though, the Vale will be a tough nut to crack and there have been some titanic struggles between the sides in recent seasons.

Saturday's contest will be no less arduous, you can be sure, as both sets of players go all out for bragging rights in front of what is sure to be a bumper crowd.

Whatever the outcome, it will be all to do again on Wednesday night, when the Jags travel to PRP to face the Banffers in the Aberdeenshire Cup Semi Final, while those of a masochistic nature will no doubt be looking for a draw, which would lead to a third consecutive meeting between the sides in eight days, should Saturday's fixture end in a draw.

With John Coutts out to prove that he has re-focussed on football and Buckie's sprinkling of new faces keen to build on their already successful start to the season, I somehow think that there will be a few goals in this one, though and the Jags should go marching onwards, if they play to their potential.

No doubt the Vale's talismanic Mark Chisholm will be keen to get one over on his home town side, but there are plenty in the Jags lineup who play for the badge these days, so get along in plenty time to pick your spot for a very early, "Game of the Season".

BL