Forres Mechanics 0 Lossiemouth 2: Coasters manager Joe Russell thrilled to see his team progress to North Cup semi-finals with first win of the season

Joe Russell hailed his Lossiemouth lionhearts after an "outstanding" performance earned a 2-0 North Cup derby victory at Forres Mechanics.

The Lossie boss hopes their shock cup success can trigger some home form and steer his team away from the precarious position of bottom spot in the Highland League.

The hosts had won three of their last four matches while Lossie had endured four defeats out of four going into Wednesday's quarter-final at Mosset Park - including 6-0 and 7-0 losses in their last two.

However Lossie produced a stirring display as first half goals by Ryan Farquhar and Ross Archibald won the tie, much to manager Russell's delight.

"We were outstanding," he said. "I thought the boys had a big point to prove after Saturday and the Saturday before, and they came out and did that tonight.

Russell reshuffled his pack following the heavy defeats to Buckie and Fraserburgh, bringing winger Ryan Farquhar back from a holiday break into an unfamiliar right back role and playing midfielder James Leslie in central defence.

Farquhar belied his defensive role by breaking forward to smash home a spectacular 25-yard opener in the early minutes of the game.

"He scored an absolutely outstanding goal, right into the top corner," Russell said. "I'm delighted for him because he's a cracking lad and I just wish he could do it more often!

"Across the back big Lewis (McAndrew) and Jimmy Leslie were superb along with big Ryan (O'Halloran) who had to play at left back.

"The work rate from the rest of the guys in front of them was superb.

"I'm chuffed to bits. Hopefully it can kick-start us now.

"We played some excellent football, kept the ball on the deck a lot of the time and hit the channels when he had to.

Lossie weathered a second half storm from Mechanics and even threatened a third goal when sub Harry Allen missed a good opportunity.

Russell revealed that the youngster, brother of Elgin City's Fin and Huntly striker Brodie, had played a full 90 minutes on loan at Burghead Thistle just 24 hours earlier but was eager to make his mark.

The manager wants his men to reach the same levels of excellence when they welcome Wick Academy to Grant Park on Saturday, then take on another home clash against Strathspey Thistle next Wednesday.

"The only disappointment is this is a cup game instead of the league," Russell added. "We've still got a long way to go, that's for sure."

Lossie now host Brora Rangers in the North Cup semis in a repeat of last season when the Coasters went up to Dudgeon Park and came back from 2-0 down to force a penalty shoot-out, which they lost.

"We've got our bit between the teeth now and I'm just hoping we can kick on now, regardless of who we are playing."