The Jags  received a major boost an hour before kick off when Ian Murray joined the cup final squad (having flown up from Great Yarmouth and only arriving at Aberdeen airport at 1pm, Jags manager Gregg Carrol then made special arrangements to pick him up and drive him straight to the ground).

There was a crowd of around 800 inside the ground with the Jags having a big support in attendance to cheer on their team.

The Jags starting line-up showed only one change to the side which drew 2-2 at Cove last Friday, Napier in for Macrae who was on the bench.

The Jags were on the attack in the opening 5 minutes without really threatening the Cove goal.

Cove then had the better of the play in the next 15 minutes and Barry Stephen - who played well during the final should have scored - but he shot wide of the target.

Buckie opened the scoring in 25 minutes, a ball out of defence from Duncan was volleyed mid-air by STEPHEN BRUCE from the edge of the box, the ball flew over the head of Cove keeper Mckenzie and into the net (for Jags fans who were unfortunate not to be present this goal would be best described as being similar to the Zidane goal scored at Hampden in the european cup final) - a GREAT goal! - worthy of winning any cup final.

Gates almost levelled the score for Cove ten minutes later but shot narrowly wide from inside the box.

The Jags scored their second goal 5 minutes before the break, a passing move down the right ended with Napier delivering a great cross and STEPHEN BRUCE angled his header into the corner of the net.

"Marra" almost scored his hat-trick minutes later but sliced his volley wide.

              HALF TIME - BUCKIE THISTLE 2 COVE RANGERS 0

The Jags had the ball in the net in the opening 5 minutes of the second half but the ref appeared to rule this out for a shove on the keeper.

Cove's Paul Tosh was then sent off after an hour of the match after picking up two yellow cards, the second for a late challenge on Macmillan.

Minutes later the Jags made the first substitution of the match when Macrae came on for Sutherland.

Despite being down to ten men Cove were certainly not "down and out" and continued to push forward in search of a goal, forcing several corners - with attempts from Henderson and Bain - both which flashed wide of the target.

Ian Murray then replaced Macmillan, Bruce shot wide and Napier failed to deliver a cross when well placed inside the box.

Strong then held a header from a corner and produced another great save from Livingstone with 8 minutes remaining.

Bruce left the field with 2 minutes left and the Jags fans showed their appreciation to the Jags forward his efforts and for the introduction of Shewan. 

Minutes later the ref blew for full-time, Stephen Bruce was nominated "Man of the Match" by first minister Alex Sammond, who then presented the beautiful trophy to Jags captain Kevin Small who lifted it aloft - cue mass celebrations among the Jags faithfull!

       FULL- TIME - BUCKIE THISTLE 2 COVE RANGERS 0

SUMMARY - A great win for the Jags against Cove Rangers - the current league champions who are a side likely to be challenging for the title again this year.

This was not the greatest final from a "pure football" point of view but both sides worked really hard throughout the match, the Jags deserved to win the match with two great goals scored by local player Stephen "Marra" Bruce - the first goal, as we said earlier, was an outstanding goal - worthy of winning any cup final.

Every player for the Jags played their part, the defence of Angus, Mackinnon, Duncan and club captain Small were solid throughout, the midfield of Napier, Sutherland, Munro and Stewart worked hard, as did forwards Macmillan and goalscorer Bruce, the subs - Macrae, Murray and Shewan all played their part and a special mention must be made for goalkeeper Darren Strong - who has been playing in the Highland League for a very long time and collected his first winners medal with another great performance.

Congratulations also to Jags manager GREGG CARROL and all his coaching staff - this is the first trophy that Gregg has brought to the club in less than a year in charge - WELL DONE TO EVERYONE - we all hope that this is only the start of great things ahead for the club.

The Jags next match is this Saturday (19th September) At HOME to FORT WILLIAM (kick off 3.00pm).

JAGS FANS -prior to the match there is also a fans "Football Forum" in the Victoria Park Function Hall (from 12.30-1.30) when Jags fans are given the opportunity to ask Jags manager GREGG CARROL and the rest of the panel any questions that they want - on football and Buckie Fhistle Football Club - the last forum was a great success - please come along - entry to this is FREE.

The Jags team was ... STRONG, K ANGUS, SMALL, MACKINNON, DUNCAN, SUTHERLAND, NAPIER, MUNRO, STEWART, MACMILLAN and BRUCE.

Subs (used) MACRAE, MURRAY and SHEWAN (unused) MACDONALD and D ANGUS.