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Forres Mechanics 0 Bonnyrigg Rose 2: Cans lose out to Lowland League leaders


By Jonathan Clark

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Paul Brindle... Picture: Joe Gilhooley (www.joegilhooley.co.uk)
Paul Brindle... Picture: Joe Gilhooley (www.joegilhooley.co.uk)

FORRES Mechanics are set for their first ever Highland League trip to Glebe Park when they take on Brechin City on Saturday.

The Cans will be looking to get back to winning ways against Brechin after losing 2-0 at home to Lowland League leaders Bonnyrigg Rose in the Scottish Cup at the weekend.

Keiran McGachie gave the Rose a first half lead, with George Hunter adding the second late on.

Mechanics manager Charlie Rowley was disappointed to exit the cup, albeit against a good opposition.

Graham Fraser called into action as Bonnyrigg Rose threaten. Picture: Joe Gilhooley (www.joegilhooley.co.uk)
Graham Fraser called into action as Bonnyrigg Rose threaten. Picture: Joe Gilhooley (www.joegilhooley.co.uk)

He said: “The intention was to progress so there’s obviously disappointment, but it was probably the toughest test for any Highland League team. Bonnyrigg are flying high at the top of the Lowland League so we were well aware of the task in front of us.

“They were a bit better than us but we were never out of the game and played decent football at times. We nullified their threats well and on another day we could have squeezed a replay.”

The Cans went to a new three-at-the-back system for the match, with two strikers up top. However, scoring goals continued to prove a problem.

Rowley added: “The shape was a positive and it’s possibly something we can use in future against better sides.

“I won’t be too critical with Saturday but not getting ourselves in front and holding on is our downfall.

“Paul Brindle and Lee Fraser were a threat in the second half but they just need a bit of luck – particularly in Brindle’s case.

“He has been slipping or standing on the ball and not getting that break, but we are convinced it will come sooner rather than later.”

This Saturday provides a brand new task for Rowley, with a trip to face Brechin City in the league.

Owen Paterson came on as a second half substitute for Mechanics. Picture: Joe Gilhooley (www.joegilhooley.co.uk)
Owen Paterson came on as a second half substitute for Mechanics. Picture: Joe Gilhooley (www.joegilhooley.co.uk)
Ruari Fraser had a good game at the back for Forres. Picture: Joe Gilhooley (www.joegilhooley.co.uk)
Ruari Fraser had a good game at the back for Forres. Picture: Joe Gilhooley (www.joegilhooley.co.uk)

The Angus side have started their maiden Highland League campaign well, sitting fourth with 16 points from seven games.

Rowley added: “There will be a sense of excitement at something new. Hopefully we can grasp that and take the positivity from it.

“However, Brechin are performing well and seem to be strengthening on a weekly basis.”

Dale Wood in action. Picture: Joe Gilhooley (www.joegilhooley.co.uk)
Dale Wood in action. Picture: Joe Gilhooley (www.joegilhooley.co.uk)

Craig Dorrat returns from suspension, but Ross MacPherson and Joe Gauld will miss out.



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