Buckie end their 52-year wait to be champions

BUCKIE Thistle were toasting a touch of Highland League history last night after ending a 52-year wait to win the championship.

An impressive 3-0 victory away to Wick Academy brought a nervy few weeks to a glorious end.

Manager Gregg Carrol, celebrating his third title after two successes at Deveronvale, said: "The players have been truly magnificent. This club has waited a very long time for this success and I'm just thrilled for the hard-working people around the club, the players and the supporters who have been magnificent."

A bumper crowd at Harmsworth Park – boosted by a convoy of buses from the east coast town – saw Martin Charlesworth settle the nerves with a goal after 15 minutes.

David MacRae put Buckie in the driving seat on the half hour with a well-taken penalty.

Early in the second half, Wick's challenge was all but dead when both Alex Lamb and Sean Sinclair saw red after losing the plot.

Charlesworth then wrapped up the title celebration with the third on 57 minutes to send the Buckie fans wild.

There was no further scoring but Buckie's party promised to stretch long into the weekend.

Elsewhere, a 47th-minute penalty from Alan Hale gave Fraserburgh victory at Keith.

Forres kept up their good form ahead of the Highland League Cup final with a 3-0 beating of Brora. Neil Whyte sent the Can Cans in front after 15 minutes. Matt Fraser doubled the lead eight minutes later, while Nathan Sharp clinched it in the second half.

Formartine beat Clach by the same scoreline thanks to goals from Mark Simpson, Barry Somers and Ritchie Singer.

Second half goals from Franny More and Kris Duncan helped bottom side Rothes to a surprise 2-0 win over Nairn. In the shock of the day, Fort William triumphed 3-2 at home to Inverurie.