Anything Cove could do Buckie Thistle could do better as the Granite City side’s hold on the Highland League championship came to an end at Kynoch Park in Keith.
The former champions made sure they bowed out in style with a five-goal demolition of Lossiemouth and manager John Sheran said: “To play 34 games and lose the title on goal difference is very disappointing but we’d like to congratulate Buckie on their achievement, I hope they enjoy their celebrations and do well in the play-offs.
“We knew we had to win the game but it was hard seeing Strathspey being in a position to do us a favour.
“We could have scored more than five but it was a good attacking performance.
“To score 11 goals in two games against Lossiemouth was difficult, but we’ve achieved it. We are proud of the season, and the points total of 82 would be enough to win the title in many years.
“People have differing views on how things are decided, some are fairer than others but on this occasion it’s fallen in Buckie’s favour.”
Forward Mitch Megginson opened the scoring after only eight minutes after cutting in from the left and slotting the ball just inside Darren McConnachie’s right post to open the scoring.
Ten minutes later Megginson netted his and his team’s second as he tracked the path of a long Stuart McKenzie goal kick and finished in style.
The one-sided nature of the contest continued as an unmarked Blair Yule had the easy task of tapping home a Daniel Park in-swinging corner from the left.
McConnachie made an acrobatic tip over the crossbar to deny Yule right on half-time but five minutes after the restart Park’s inviting cross into the box was deflected into his own net by defender Bryan Bell.
Substitute Johnny Smith then headed a cross by Ryan Stott on to the post but Megginson completed his hat-trick with six minutes left, his shot from the edge of the box deceiving McConnachie and going over the line with the aid of a deflection.
Lossiemouth assistant manager Stuart Cameron, on his final day with the Grant Park club, said: “It’s tough enough playing against Cove when you have a full squad and the best team available.
“But having players leaving us in the last couple of months has hurt us.
“We had limited options but, over the two games, Cove have been streets ahead of us. They’re unlucky not to win the league.
“It shows how professional they are because they knew Buckie were well ahead but kept going and in the end could have reached double figures.
“We have made progress in the season, the players we have here have shown character and how much they want to play for Lossiemouth.
“They could have left as well but stayed on until the end of season and it’s much appreciated by us all.
“I won’t be with Lossie next season. I’m leaving for certain reasons. I hope they can get somebody in and the backroom sorted, as well as getting in players to help the nine or 10 who’ll be at the club.”