Thistle stormed to the top of the pile with what at first sight seems a comprehensive victory by three to nil over Huntly, at Christie Park, but to be fair to their hosts, the Strathbogie side were a busy, though ultimately, ineffective outfit.

With 6 points, 6 goals for and none conceded, it already looks good for the Jaunty Jags, who also have the Aberdeenshire Cup Final on 15 September to contemplate, against either Inverurie Locos or Keith, both of whom will probably be among the main contenders for honours this season.

It will prove very difficult for Keith, as history shows and it has been well documented that since the Huntly domination of the mid nineties, no side has defended their title successfully, since their win in 1997-98.

This time, around, as in recent seasons, a number of teams are jostling for position, amongst them the Jags and with a bit of luck, we may be able to celebrate a title in April, for the first time since 1957-58, fully 50 years ago!

Duncan Shearer's additions played a big part in Saturday's game, which was probably notable for the home side's persistent use of "Route One" in their efforts to put the skids under the Jags.

The crowd had hardly assembled, when Thistle took an early lead, courtesy of LEWIS MacKINNON, who showed coolness and concentration as he burst through the home rearguard, before burying the ball in Gorski's net, after "nutmegging" the big keeper, in the fourth minute.

The Strathbogie side regrouped though and their direct approach had the Jags fans on tenterhooks, as the Buckie defence looked a bit jittery at times.

As on Wednesday against the ‘Vale, Thistle proved they were up to the task, though, but despite their valiant efforts, both Cormie and McGowan  passed up chances to pull their side back on level terms before the interval, but thankfully the Hoops held out.

Buckie came out on the offensive in the second half and could well have extended their lead early on, when a Craig MacMillan snap shot cannoned back off the crossbar, with Gorski beaten, but the home defence cleared the danger.

Play continued to ebb and flow, with neither side able to establish domination of the other and with twenty minutes remaining, it took a wondrous, triple save by Kevin Main, the league's top shot-stopper, to deny Huntly's McGowan, Cormie and Dorrat, in quick succession.

This drama got the crowd going as comparisons with previous similar incidents were made, but with 74 mnutes played, LEWIS MacKINNON steadied the ship and virtually sealed the points, when he fired home, after the Huntly defence failed to effectively clear a Tony Low free kick.

The Jags' faithful were in full voice now and as time ticked away, they became more confident, faith which was confirmed when Andy Matheson flicked the ball through for TONY LOW to control near the byeline, before clipping it over a defender, then chipping home from the tightest of angles to take the deserved plaudits.

A goal which would have graced the Champions League, far less, the Highland League!

All in all, a good three points, but although the manner in which they were gained might not have been the most attractive overall, they constituted a win at one of the more difficult venues to visit in the Championship.

Jags lineup: Main, Shewan, Grant, Macrae(R Davidson75), Matheson, Small, Low, Neill, MacKinnon, MacMillan, Macdonald (Bruce73). Not used Lamberton, Stewart, Strong.

Referee: Mr R Hammill