Banks o’ Dee trio MAGNUS WATSON, JEVAN ANDERSON and CHRIS ANTONIAZZI reflect on the parts they played in our GPH Builders Merchants Highland League Cup final triumph over Inverurie Locos.

Magnus scored a stunning winning goal, that was created by an equally impressive through pass from Chris, who came off the bench for the injured Lachie MacLeod during the first half.

Jevan marked what proved to be dream debut for him, days after joining us from Elgin City, by starting the move that led to the winning goal - and also defending resolutely to ensure we came away from Fraserburgh’s Bellslea Park with the trophy.

MAGNUS said: “It was a brilliant feeling to score the winner in such an important game for the club.

“It wasn’t the greatest of games, but we kept working very hard and got the reward we deserved.

“The pass through from Chris was unbelievable, what a great ball that was!

“I was delighted when I saw he had managed to get the ball in behind their defender.

“I also got a decent first touch and it was then a case of hitting it as hard as I could and hoping it would find the net.

“I knew I had made a good connection and it was a thrill to see the ball fly past their keeper.

“It’s been a difficult season for the club, for all sorts of reasons, so we were all buzzing at the prospect of doing something memorable in the final.

“Locos are a good outfit and we hadn’t been able to beat them in the league, so we knew we had a tough task on our hands.

“Like I said, it wasn’t a classic game, but we did what was needed to come out on top and this cup win has left us eager to enjoy more success next season too.”

JEVAN said: “I really appreciate the management team giving me the opportunity to make my debut in a cup final.

“The boys had done well to reach the final before I arrived and I couldn’t have complained if I was told I would be kept in reserve.

“I was happy to start, but that came with the extra pressure of making sure I rewarded the faith shown in me in the right manner.

“It wasn’t a pretty win, but getting our hands on that cup was all that mattered.

“Like a lot of cup finals, it was about winning individual battles and making sure your opponents don’t get too many scoring opportunities.

“I feel we did that well and were more than worthy winners.

“That was despite not starting the game as well as we would have liked.

“We never really got going in the first half.

“Everyone knows Dee like to play good football, but we just couldn’t get the ball down long enough to do that and when we did we probably tried to force things too much.

“Playing down the hill at Bellslea, with the strong wind at our backs, didn’t help.

“The ball kept running away and it was particularly hard for the guys up front to become more involved.

“We were far better in the second half though and I’m delighted I was involved in the move that led to our goal.

“Defenders are always happy to be credited with assist of an assist!

“I was pleased that I managed to feed the ball into Chris and all credit to him for dealing with the rest.

“His pass to Magnus was top drawer.

“If you are to have any chance of winning tight finals you need to have players who can change the course of them in an instant, and Chris proved he is one of those.

“Having agreed a three year contract, I’m obviously hoping this is just the first of many successes I enjoy with Dee.”

CHRIS said: “I was obviously disappointed not be playing from the start, but I’m sure the management team would rather hear that than have any player who is happy to be on the bench.

“Once I did get on, I was determined to make a positive impact, so I’m delighted the winning goal came from my pass.

“I’ve only been at the club a few months, but it’s been long enough to see how hungry the club are to be successful.

“I’m sure we can kick-on next season and be in contention for more trophies, it’s just the way things are at Banks o’ Dee.

“It’s one of the main reasons why I jumped at the opportunity to come to the club.

“It helped that I already knew a lot of the lads, but the biggest selling point was how clear it was that the chairman and everyone else at the club have a hunger to prove Dee can compete at the highest levels possible.

“I’m delighted they see me as someone who can help them on their journey and I hope to be with the club for a good while.”