Highland League: Kris Duncan drives Vale to the top

ENGINEER Kris Duncan had Deveronvale purring at the weekend – and wants to repair their reputation as a Highland League force.

The Banff club, back-to-back champions in the mid-2000s, had not finished outside the top four in a decade before last season’s seventh-place slump.

But Duncan reckons better days are in store for the Princess Royal Park outfit after a rebuilding operation in the summer under new manager Charlie Charlesworth. And Vale joined a four-way tie at the top after smashing six goals past morning leaders Wick Academy, including a double from Duncan. The 22-year-old striker said: “The manager has me buzzing again and has brought extra depth and quality, so hopefully we can continue our good start to the season.”

Formartine, managed by Caley Thistle legend Steve Paterson, joined the pack at the top after routing Rothes 7-0 – with seven different scorers. Cove Rangers also reached seven points with a 4-0 win over Lossiemouth.

Clach are the surprise joint pace­setters after snatching a terrific 2-1 win at Huntly. Elsewhere, Brora tasted their first defeat after a David MacRae strike at Buckie sealed the points.

Champions Forres were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Fraserburgh, while Nairn County beat Fort William 5-1. Strathspey Thistle celebrated their first ever away win in the Highland League after shocking Turriff 2-1. Inver­urie Locos beat visiting Keith 3-1.