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Forres Mechanics 2 Nairn County 3: Cans lead twice before succumbing to last-minute derby defeat


By Jonathan Clark

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FORRES Mechanics twice led before succumbing to a 3-2 derby day defeat against Nairn County at Mosset Park on Saturday.

The Cans took the lead at the start of both halves, but conceded within minutes on both occasions before a last-minute goal from Ciaran Young secured the win for Nairn.

The result means it’s now six matches without a win for the new management team – although Mechanics are off the mark in terms of scoring goals.

Assistant manager Brian Macleod, who took charge of the team with fellow assistant Steven Macdonald in the absence of manager Gordon Connelly, said: “We’re really disappointed to lose the game at the end.

“To be in front twice and not get anything out of the game, especially at home, is really disappointing.

“I’m not sure we really deserved anything, but we are really gutted.

“From where we have been over the last six or seven weeks there are a lot of positives but, at home, when we are ahead twice, we should be seeing the game out.”

It took Mechanics just five minutes to end their five-match goalless run, with Lee Fraser’s 20-yard strike putting the home side ahead.

Lee Fraser ended a run of more than 700 minutes without a goal from Forres. Picture: Becky Saunderson
Lee Fraser ended a run of more than 700 minutes without a goal from Forres. Picture: Becky Saunderson

But the lead only lasted until the ninth minute, when an Andy Greig corner was powered home by the head of Fraser Dingwall.

The first half was evenly matched, with plenty of half chances at either end, and the teams went in level.

The second period started in the same fashion as the first and Mechanics retook the lead on 52 minutes.

Paul Brindle had the simple task of knocking the ball home from five yards after brilliant work down the left from half-time substitute Allan Macphee.

Again, though, Forres failed to hold onto the lead – this time conceding within six minutes of scoring.

Conor Gethins’ scooped ball forward was headed over the top of keeper Lee Herbert by Gregg Main from fully 15 yards.

Nairn began controlling the game after the equaliser – and only a miracle save from Herbert, who is on a short-term loan deal from Buckie Thistle, prevented the visitors going ahead on 66 minutes.

A Sam Gordon cross looked destined to be knocked home by Andy Greig but the keeper sprawled across his goal to make a stunning save at close range.

Minutes later Herbert made another top save, this time denying sub Ciaran Young. But Young got the last laugh as his touch, swivel and shot in the 90th minute sunk Forres to give Nairn all three points.

Mechanics travel to second-bottom Turriff United on Saturday looking to get back to winning ways.

Macleod added: “It’s one we need to win. We need to start picking up points.

"We’ll dust ourselves, work hard this week at training and go again.”



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