Deveronvale missed the opportunity to go back to the top of the Highland league when they were held to a goal-less draw by local rivals Buckie Thistle at Banff on Tuesday evening.
Vale were playing their second game in four days after their lengthy layoff but did create enough chances throughout the ninety minutes to take all three points although a share of the spoils was just about right over the piece.
Gregg Carrol had to change his winning line-up from Saturday due to unavailability of Ryan Pressley, who is undergoing minor surgery, and Mike McKenzie, who took a knock at Inverurie and dropped to the bench. Gary Nicol got his first start for his new club with Mark Smith moving into the middle of the park and Franny More lining-up wide right. Paul Urquhart who has just completed a two-match ban was listed as one of the substitutes.
A fast and furious start saw Chisholm fire high over the top before McPherson did like wise at the other end. Bruce came close with a low drive which Speirs watched closely as it fizzed just wide of his right post. Watt then fired over when a square pass would have released Chisholm who was in acres of space, in the Buckie box. A late challenge by Grant thwarted Watt who had found space 6 yards from goal and had shaped to shoot at goal. Speirs was alert to a Bruce header, touching it around the post for a corner, just as the half-time whistle blew.

Speirs was called into action again after the break, this time spectacularly touching a long range Davidson effort over his own crossbar. Watt went down in the box as he attempted to meet a More cross but referee MacKay saw nothing untoward and play continued.
Chisholm came close to connecting to a Montgomery low cross but the close attentions of Lamberton was enough to see the ball safely gathered by Rae, in the Buckie goal. More blasted wide when well placed after the Vale had broke quickly up field after a Buckie corner.
McKenzie replaced Nicol and was quick to show as he twisting and turned the visiting defence in an effort to carve out the opener. The game started to open up as the players tired and chances were created at both ends. Henderson and McKenzie both had efforts saved by Rae while ex-Vale player James Milne headed over from close range when well placed to score the winner. Grant's last-ditch tackle stopped Chisholm in his tracks as the midfielder worked his way through the visitor's defence and looked to pull the trigger.
More and McKenzie both had opportunity's saved by Rae in a frantic last five minutes but the home side couldn't find the goal which would have put them two points clear at the top of the table.
Manager Gregg Carrol was pleased with the effort shown by his players and felt that they had created enough chances to grab the victory although was equally pleased with a point at the end of a match played in real cup-tie fashion. Carrol singled out Mark Smith for special praise; the youngster also won the sponsor's "man of the match".