Huntly let their lead slip as Deveronvale came from behind to record a 3-1 win at Christie Park.

The black and golds made one change to the side which beat Forres Mechanics with Blair Johnston replacing the absent Alexander Thoirs. The visitors made a number of changes from the side which booked an Aberdeenshire Cups -final place as they looked for back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

Huntly created chances in the early stages with Gary McGowan and Michael Ewen both kept out by Grant Pennet in the visitor’s goal.

There was a penalty claim after ten minutes when Paul Sutherland went down in the home goalmouth but referee Mat Northcroft waved away the claims. Minutes later a Ross Still free kick was touched onto the bar by Pennet but as the rebound fell to Ewen he was flagged offside by John Black.

The home took the lead in the 25^th minute when a long throw from David Donald was not dealt with and Michael Ewen laid the ball off for Glenn Murison to net his second of the season with a first time finish.

There were chances either side of the half-hour mark. Ross Still headed a Paul Napier free kick wide while Dane Ballard and Lewis Dunbar were both blocked in quick succession.

Vale levelled with eight minutes of the first half remaining when Chris Blackhall latched onto a Shaun Carrol pass and got the better of his marker before firing high inside the near post.

Half-Time: Huntly 1 Deveronvale 1

Huntly had a penalty claim themselves midway through the half when Ross Still was pushed by opposite number Chris Blackhall.

The visitors took the lead with sixteen minutes remaining when Liam Forbes’ long ball forward saw substitute Grant Noble in behind the Huntly backline before he finished with a low drive.

The Banff side extended their lead with five minutes left. After Calvin Roddie lost possession in his own half, Dane Ballard played in Paul Sutherland who saw an effort blocked by Michael Clark before Lewis Dunbar bundled home the rebound.

Huntly’s Calvin Roddie saw red two minutes stoppage time for a stamp on Sutherland which saw things kick off in front of the stand after Vale coach Craig Stewart made a remark to the Huntly player and Chris Blackhall, who had been subbed earlier was also red carded by Referee Mat Northcroft.