POIGNANT NIGHT FOR BUCKIE SKIPPER

Small hopes kidney transplant will prolong football career at age of 36 as Jags end 52 year wait

Buckie Thistle's 52-year wait to get their hands on the Highland League championship trophy ended amid emotianal scenes at a packed Victoria Park last night with a win over Brora.

Buckie had already sealed the title before last night's game but Brora still put up a spirited performance.

Brora applauded the champions on to the pitch and then proceeded to frustrate the home side with some superb defending.

That was until the 32nd minute when Davie MacRae took possession 22 yards out and fired a powerful half-volley low past Daniel Bell for the only goal of the game.  Minutes after the win, 36 year old Jags skipper Kevin Small - surrounded by 1,500 fervent fans going wild with delight - lifted the silverware aloft.

Clutching the precious trophy Small, who is awaiting a kidney transplant which he hopes will prolong his football career, said: "I am over the moon to finally get my hands on this piece of silverware after 13 years in the Highland League.

"Going up the stairs to collect the trophy was the best feeling in the world as I was beginning to think that the chance had passed me by."

For Buckie president Mark Duncan last night was the culmination of eight years hard work after his timely intervention saved the club from extinction.

As he watched the celebrations unfold Duncan said proudly: "It's been a fantastic season for everyone at the club and a dream come true for Buckie fans after a 52 year wait.

"You could see on their faces at Wick when we secured the title 10 days ago, and again here tonight, just how much it means to them all.

"Many guys were offshore for the Wick game but they are here tonight to see us lift the trophy.

"The delight on their faces is there for all to see, not to mention the odd tear as many fans from years gone by can't be here to witness these joyous scenes.

"Manager Gregg Carrol has done it by restructuring the way the club ran as regards training and the wage structure.

"He received great commitment from the players who have performed brilliantly all season.

"With the introduction of the three new clubs to the Highland League, we have played six more league games - so it really has been something of a marathon season.

"The team which won the league has deserved it - and fortunately it is ourselves."

Carrol made it a hat-trick of championship triumphs having previously won the league on two occasions with Deveronvale.

Carrol said: "It is absolutely fantastic, its good for the players, magic for the club and equally great for my back-room staff and myself.

"They have all waited a long time for this moment and I am delighted that we managed to make the dream come true for them.

"Each time you win a trophy it is special, it is the best thing ever, it is a good habit to have and hopefully it will continue next season.

"Our fans have followed us through thick and thin prior to me being the manager, they have been magnificent to me since I arrived at the club mid-way through last season so I will dedicate this championship triumph to them."

Seconds after picking up his third championship medal 34 year old Jags centre forward ian Murray said: "I won two championship medals with Deveronvale but these is no doubt that this is the best by a mile.

"The Buckie fans are the best in the league.

"They've been brilliant to me ever since the cup game at Keith when they started to chant my name."

Report by Dave Edwards, Press & Journal