Formartine United 2 Forres Mechanics 0: Small differences key in Can-Cans defeat

THE small differences between teams at the top end and teams in the middle of the Highland League pack were on show as Formartine United defeated Forres Mechanics 2-0 on Saturday.

While Forres created as many, if not more, chances than their hosts, the Can-Cans couldn't put the ball in the back of the net – with United scoring at the start of both halves to collect three points.

Scott Lisle gave the home side the lead after eight minutes, with a second goal scored by Marc Lawrence within 60 seconds of the second half starting.

Ethan Cairns missed a penalty and Mark Mclauchlan hit the post as Mechanics fought to get back into the match in the second half.

Manager Steven MacDonald was pleased with the performance, which was an improvement on 3-2 loss at Wick Academy last Wednesday, pointing out small differences that were the key to victory for the home side.

"We played really well," he said. "It's just that little bit of naivety that we have still got, but I'm happy with how the boys played.

"There was nothing between the teams – in fact, I thought we were the better team, but seeing 2-0 people probably think it looks comfortable.

"Formartine are used to winning, we don't have that yet where we are expecting to win or know how to get through games, and that's the slight difference. We are still short of a bit of experience.

"I couldn't believe my eyes when the first goal went in – it was like slow motion, so that was a bad goal to lose. The rest of the half we did well.

"We were heaping praise on the boys at half-time and then we are 2-0 down again within seconds of the restart and we have given ourselves so much work to do.

"Ethan had the chance with the penalty, Mark had a one-on-one and we created other chances too. There were five or six really good performances, which was nice to see."

Tom Brady and Shaun Morrison impressed MacDonald, while Craig Mackenzie coming back into the midfield made a "big difference", he added.

Clachnacuddin are the visitors to Mosset Park tonight in the Highland League, with the Lilywhites having picked up form lately.

They come into the game off the back of a 2-2 draw with Banks O' Dee at Spain Park. For Mechanics, there is also focus on getting ready for the Scottish Cup round two clash with Buckie Thistle on October 28.

MacDonald added: "If we play like we did on Saturday, in general we will be a dangerous team. The level of performance was high, but we do need to start winning as well as it's not been a great run.

"You will hear it in every manager interview up and down the country – don't give away easy goals and be more ruthless. That's the difference between good teams and mid-to-bottom half of the table teams.

"Part of our mind is on trying to get ready for the Scottish Cup and we have Clach and Huntly at home. We want to win both of those games and go into the cup on a high and with confidence."

Ruari Fraser is back for tonight's match after being away with work on Saturday.