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Deveronside v Islavale

1.30pm 28 January 2023

SJFA North Region, Championship
Deveronside 1 Islavale 2 (att 80)

Deveronside was the final ground I needed to complete both divisions of the north region of the Scottish Juniors, and it moved up my 'to do' list following recent news of the club's potential merger with nearby Whitehills.

Apparently that plan is no more and Whitehills, currently in abeyance, will return in their own right next season. What, if anything, that means for Deveronside I don't know.

In recent years they've moved from their former home, Canal Park in Banff, to the new Macduff Community and Sports Centre. It's a 3G pitch, with an adjacent grass surface where I saw Macduff FC in 2019.

It's better than many 3Gs. Spectators are able to access all four sides and there's a seated stand in between a pair of dugouts. Refreshments, including hot food and drinks, are sold from the sports centre building behind the goal.

Deveronside went into this game two places off the bottom of the table, and stayed there after a defeat that was harsh given the balance of play. Islavale took an early lead but it wasn't long before the home side levelled.

It was a game of few clear chances, but as the second half went on it was Deveronside who looked the more likely to get a winner. However, teams down in the league are often down on their luck as well, and Islavale snatched all three points late on thanks to a near post header from a corner.









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