Islavale claimed a crucial 4-2 victory over rivals Lossiemouth United in the North of Scotland League Premier Division derby on Saturday. The match at Lossiemouth saw both teams desperate for points, with Islavale ending a five-game losing streak while extending Lossiemouth’s woes to eight straight defeats.
Islavale’s Comeback Triumph in the Derby
The game kicked off with high stakes for both sides in the Premier Division. Islavale, sitting near the bottom, needed this win to boost morale and climb the table. Lossiemouth United, also struggling, hoped to halt their slide but could not hold on.
Keir Smith gave Islavale the lead early by turning in a corner from Marcus Murray. Lossiemouth fought back when Connor McKenzie converted a penalty to level the score. Fergus Edwards quickly restored the visitors’ advantage, showing Islavale’s resilience.
In the second half, McKenzie scored his second to make it tense again. But Islavale pulled away with goals from Finlay Milton and another from an unyielding attack, sealing the 4-2 result. This performance highlighted their determination in a local rivalry that draws big crowds.
The win moves Islavale up slightly in the standings, providing a spark amid a tough season. Fans praised the team’s spirit, noting how the derby atmosphere fueled their effort.
Deveronside Delivers Seven-Goal Rout
Down in the Championship, Deveronside put on a clinical display against Forres Thistle, winning 7-1 in a one-sided affair. The home side dominated from the start, overwhelming their opponents with pace and precision.
Kyle Buxton opened the scoring in the tenth minute and added two more, including a header for his hat-trick before halftime. Jody Munro extended the lead to 4-0 with a finish from Evan Gray’s assist. Forres managed a late consolation through Ben Ross, but it did little to stem the tide.
A red card to Forres’ Matty Davidson for stamping hampered their recovery efforts. Deveronside capitalized further when Joel Wiseman converted a penalty after a foul by the keeper, then added two more for his own hat-trick. This result underscores Deveronside’s strong form lately, following a 2-1 win over New Elgin.
- Kyle Buxton: Hat-trick (three goals)
- Joel Wiseman: Hat-trick (three goals, including penalty)
- Jody Munro: One goal
- Ben Ross: Forres Thistle’s lone goal
Impact on League Standings
These results shake up both divisions in the North of Scotland League. In the Premier Division, Islavale’s points haul helps them avoid the drop zone, while Lossiemouth sinks deeper into trouble.
Deveronside’s big win propels them toward promotion contention in the Championship. Recent games show their attacking prowess, with 9 goals in two matches.
Here is a snapshot of the current Premier Division standings after the latest fixtures:
| Position | Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bridge of Don Thistle | 13 | 34 |
| 2 | Rothie Rovers | 15 | 32 |
| 3 | Longside | 16 | 30 |
| … | Islavale | 12 | 15 |
| … | Lossiemouth United | 14 | 8 |
And for the Championship:
| Position | Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stoneywood-Parkvale | 14 | 35 |
| … | Deveronside | 13 | 25 |
| … | Forres Thistle | 15 | 10 |
These tables reflect the competitive nature of the leagues, with promotion and relegation battles heating up.
Looking Ahead for Both Teams
Islavale now faces tougher tests, including a trip to a mid-table side next weekend. Manager comments suggest focus on building momentum from this derby success. Lossiemouth must regroup quickly to avoid a season of despair.
Deveronside rides high but knows consistency is key in the Championship race. Their recent scoring spree, totaling 9 goals in back-to-back games, draws comparisons to last year’s promotion push by similar teams. Forres Thistle, hit hard, looks to bounce back in a survival fight.
Fans can follow upcoming fixtures on league sites for more action in Scottish junior football. Share your thoughts on these results in the comments below and spread the word about the excitement in the North of Scotland League.
