Thistle were well and truly horsed, losing by three clear goals to a very industrious Deveronvale side, before a healthy crowd, despite the rain.

Buckie took the lead, somewhat against the run of play in 19 minutes, through Brian Neill, but goals from Robbie Brown (pen) in 29 minutes, John Coutts in 36 and Mark Chisholm in 41 minutes put the visitors firmly in the driving seat at the interval.

The second half saw Thistle look more promising, but a 59^th minute strike by another former Jag, Mike Ewen, ensured the Banffers an easy passage to the second round.

Manager, Duncan Shearer was obviously upset at the manner of the defeat, admitting after the game "We were well off the mark out there, with eight or nine of the players, who had served me well in our first two games, simply not performing at the level required."

He went on to concede "a very good Deveronvale side punished us today and although we scored early on, they bounced back strongly to regroup and prevent us betting back into the game, throughout."

"I hope that this serves as a wake up call to our lads and I am confident that they will bounce back for what look to be another titanic struggle on Wednesday, when we go to PRP for the Aberdeenshire Cup Semi Final." He concluded.

His opposite number, Greg Carrol, was in jubilant mood and quick to praise his side, saying "I can't remember when Buckie last conceded four goals at home and I'm delighted that my players have given me my first win at Victoria Park in such an emphatic manner."

He continued "I feel we were by far the better side, starting well and were beginning to get on top, just as they scored. We got our act back together though, demonstrating great team spirit as we controlled the midfield."

Finally, he heaped praise on his veteran midfielder, Robbie Brown "Robbie (Brown) was outstanding today and overall our commitment was superb, resulting in our fully deserved win."

The stage is set, therefore, for another battle in midweek, although Thistle will need to up their game by several magnitudes, if  they are not to allow a repeat scoreline.