"It was a dominant performance from start to finish."

That was Charlie Rowley's nine-word summary after the Can-Cans thumping 3-0 victory over Moray rivals, Lossiemouth, which saw his charges move five points clear of second-placed Cove Rangers, who have played one game more.

Having seen his team prevent the Coasters from getting a single shot on target during the 90 minutes, the Forres boss was understandably ecstatic at the end of the game.

"I was absolutely delighted with the players work rate. Their attitude never comes into question, but their work rate in stopping the opposition playing was phenomenal. That was the main catalyst for our performance.

"We never gave them a minutes peace, never gave them any opportunities at all, and at the end of the day we ground them into submission. You could see by the number of Lossie players that were absolutely exhausted, and even some of them coming off with injuries, which I think was down to our work rate. "

However, always the perfectionist he added: "We stressed after the game that at times we got a wee bitty sloppy, trying the fancy pass and not picking the easier option when we were up 3-0, but having said that, it is hard to be critical when you come to Lossie and win 3-0 and are still looking for more.

"It was a great day for us. I said before the game I would take a scrappy 1-0, but on the day I think we thoroughly deserved the 3-0. You have to take everything you can get in football and we will certainly enjoy this victory."

Kevin Duguid played a starring role in the victory and Rowley made it clear how talented he believes the waif-like forward-thinking midfielder is. "I think that Kevin is by far the most technically gifted player at our club and I think it showed today. He caused them no end of problems. He likes to take the ball into great positions and it was a thoroughly fine performance from him, as well as every other individual that was involved in the game."

As the focus then fell on 'Gazette' Gold Star winner Ross Macpherson he added: "He showed why he is the captain of our club. I feel he has got the ability to go on and be one of the top players in the Highland League.

"He is still a little bit inexperienced at this level but he is coming on leaps and bounds and I am delighted with all the midfielders' performance. You have Whytey (Neil Whyte) in there as well and you would never ever guess that he was 37 years old. That lad's energy and work rate is incredible. We had to take him off because the referee had warned him that his next tackle could have lead to a sending off as he had already received a booking but he was immense as well."