Forres Mechanics manager Steven MacDonald praises "brilliant" Lossiemouth display as Cans crash out of North of Scotland Cup in Mosset Park derby
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Steven MacDonald admitted his Forres Mechanics side was defeated by a superior Lossiemouth on the night.
The Cans were big favourites to defeat their visiting Moray neighbours and progress to the semi-finals, but crashed to a 2-0 defeat.
Having won three league games at Strathspey, Nairn and Inverurie, Mechanics were on the crest of a wave but manager MacDonald saw a different side to his young team in Wednesday's cup clash.
"I don't think we had a good night at all," he said. "All credit goes to Lossiemouth, I thought they were brilliant on the night.
"They started the game really strongly, they showed their intent. They outbattled us, they had tremendous work-rate and they totally deserved their win.
"We just couldn't get going, they never gave us the chance."
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Lossiemouth now progress to a home semi-final against Brora Rangers, while Forres can bring their focus back on a superb start to the league season which they will look to continue at home to Huntly on Saturday.
"We had a really bad night. A lot of the boys were off the level on the same night and we didn't have anyone who could lift us - a lot of bad performances.
"It's concerning when we get outbattled and outplayed.
"They were well warned not to be complacent. It's a derby to these (Lossiemouth) boys and it meant a lot to them.
"In this league if you are not on it, teams will punish you. Lossie didn't play like a side that got beat 7-0 on Saturday, they were really good.
"We have to try and regroup and do the things that started the season so well."
Mechanics striker Lee Fraser has returned from injury to make two sub appearances in the past week, while twin brother Graham is back in training as he recovers from a knee injury.
After Saturday's league match against Huntly, Forres have seen their midweek match at home to Brora postponed due to the Sutherland side's participation in the SPFL Trust Trophy.
