McBookie.com First Division champions Stonehaven completed their league campaign in style with a fine 2-0 victory at North Regional Cup finalists Dufftown.
Following a goalless first period, Hive went in front on 68 minutes when Ross Mitchell’s cross went over the Dufftown keeper and in at the back post.
There was nothing fortuitous about number two, however, when, with a couple of minutes remaining, Keith Horne’s defence-splitting pass saw Josh Christie get in behind the defence, round the keeper and score.
Hive manager Martyn Rollo was delighted to get the three points to see the Glenury Park side take the league by a clear five points, said: “Dufftown are a good team and it’s a difficult place to go, but we’re still involved in the Morrison Cup and it was important to keep the momentum going.”
Reflecting on the season, Rollo described it as a ‘slow burner’, explaining: “We lost our opening game and we were never up the table until the second last round of matches.
“Stoneywood Parkvale were eleven points clear at the end of last year, but we won our last seven on the bounce and the players turned up when they needed to.
“I think the turning point was in November when we won 1-0 at Stoneywood Parkvale with a late winner, but the following week we lost by the same score at Fraserburgh United. That gave us the kick up the backside we maybe needed and we went on a great run from then on.
“In terms of the players, the experienced spine of the team are the guys we can rely on in the big games – Derek Boylan has been outstanding in central midfield, as has captain Ludi Metelski and Keith Horne.
“There’s no doubt we’ll have to strengthen over the close season, although, I have to say, our defence has been excellent all season, as witnessed by the low number of goals we’ve conceded.
“With Banks O’Dee moving up to the Highland League – and congratulations to them – it’s going to be a very open Superleague and we’ll be looking in attacking areas of the pitch.
“Getting back into the Superleague was always our top objective and I’d like to dedicate our success to our former manager Jim George, who sadly passed away recently.
“I was friends with Jim and his co-manager Ian Esslemont, and Jim’s passing was a terrible shock to everyone at the club.
“If I was ever looking for advice, Jim and Ian would always be there for me. He’d have loved the fact we’re back in the top flight and I’m sure he’s looking down with a big smile on his face.”