Ian Cruickshank's goal in the 42nd minute combined with Buchanhaven Hearts' failure to win against Glentanar was enough to guarantee the Saints top-flight football next term.

Steve told the Piper: "It has been a really good team effort and the boys have worked incredibly hard this year. It has been tough for them, especially with the 12-point deduction hanging over us. Most teams would have folded under the pressure but we haven't lost a game since we heard the news."

The Saints' manager was delighted with his side's performance against Strathspey Thistle at the weekend and felt they could easily have won by more than a single goal.

Steve said: "We were never troubled except for a 10-15 minute period in the second half. Greg Sim never had a save to make the whole match.

"It was a good all-round performance. Ian Cruickshank got the important goal but I don't think it would have flattered us if we had won by three or four goals. I thought Allan Ogston in central midfield was man of the match."

It is now between the Saints and Lewis United to see who will clinch the First Division title. The sides are both currently sitting on 52 points but Lewis United only have one game remaining while the Saints have three.

Steve said: "It has been our aim to win the league since the start of the season. It would be amazing if we could clinch the championship as Banchory Saint Ternan has never won the league in its history."

The Saints face an away match against Cruden Bay on Saturday and a win would mean the Saints would only need to take a point from their remaining two games to secure the championship.

Steve added: "We will have a full strength squad for the match against Cruden Bay. Alan Macrae played the last twenty minutes for us against Strathspey Thistle while Roddy Cameron and Phil Watson are both back from offshore."