Highland League round-up
Saturday November 12th
No way through for Scorries as Cove go third
Academy's longest trip of the season ended in disappointment
as they were beaten 2-0 by Cove Rangers at Allan Park, a result that allowed the
home side to move into third place in the Highland League table.
There was no way back for Davie Kirkwood's men after they
conceded two goals inside the opening half-hour. Academy did have good spells
of possession but just couldn't find a way through the well-drilled Cove
defence.
The opener came after 14 minutes when Danny Milne slipped
the ball through to Jordan Leyden, who took a touch before placing it under the
advancing Alan Bokas.
The Scorries' task became doubly difficult after 28 minutes
when Leyden's low cross was diverted into the
net by Milne.
Academy almost reduced the deficit early in the second half
when Sam Mackay evaded a challenge and sent a curling left-foot shot just wide.
Stevie Cunningham then had a good shot on target but it was gathered by keeper
Stuart McKenzie.
With less than 10 minutes to go, substitute Gary Weir picked
out Cunningham who was one-on-one with McKenzie but the Cove keeper spread
himself to block the shot. Then Cunningham fired a shot over the bar after
being set up by Stewart Ross.
At the other end, Bokas and his defenders had to work hard
to prevent Cove increasing their lead, and there was a let-off when Kevin
Webster smacked a loose ball off the crossbar.
In the dying stages a surging run by Cunningham ended in his
shot being blocked on the line.
Forres Mechanics' 100 per cent home record came to an end as
they twice battled back from a goal down to earn a 2-2 draw with double
champions Buckie Thistle.
The Jags opened the scoring through Paul Napier just before
the half-hour mark, with Lee Fraser getting Forres back on level terms three
minutes after the break. Craig MacMillan restored the visitors' lead from the
penalty spot midway through the second period, but the Can-Cans – who had gone
into the game with a six-point lead at the top and having won all seven of
their previous home fixtures – secured a share of the points when Fraser
grabbed his second with 20 minutes to go.
Nairn County
slipped to third after a goalless draw with Inverurie at Harlaw
Park. Locos finished with 10
men after Clark Bain was red-carded.
Fourth-placed Lossiemouth kept up their impressive run with
a 2-1 win against Turriff United at Grant Park. The home side were two up
inside the first 10 minutes, courtesy of Nikki Smith and Kevin Grant. Donald
Fraser pulled one back just before the half-hour mark but the Coasters held on.
Huntly eased to a 3-0 victory over Brora Rangers at Christie
Park. Barry Somers got the opener midway through the first half, with Russell
Guild and David Booth adding two more in the closing stages.
Fort William
celebrated their first victory since Danny Conlon took over as manager as they
beat Rothes 2-1 at Mackessack
Park.
The Lochaber men took charge with goals from Danny
Mackintosh and Sean Ellis inside a five-minute spell just before the interval.
Stuart Massie reduced the deficit late in the game but Fort clung on for a rare
away win.
Strathspey Thistle are now three points adrift at the foot
of the table after being beaten 3-1 at home by Fraserburgh.
Scott Barbour put the Broch in front only for Fraser Munro
to equalise. A second-half double by Allan Hale secured the points for Kris
Hunter's side.
Academy's next opponents, Clachnacuddin, picked up a point
in a 1-1 draw with Formartine United at North
Lodge Park.
Colin Robertson's opener for Formartine was cancelled out by Alan Pollok.
The Keith v Deveronvale match was abandoned in the second
half due to floodlight failure at Kynoch
Park with the Maroons
leading 1-0.
