Forres Mechanics 3 Clach 0: Eight wins from nine for Cans
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FORRES Mechanics moved up to fifth in the Highland League after a 3-0 victory over Clachnacuddin at Mosset Park last night.
An Allan MacPhee strike in the first half was added to by second half goals from Stuart Soane and substitute Owen Paterson.
Manager Charlie Rowley said: “I don’t think Stuart Knight had a save to make so that tells its own story.
“We ran out comfortable winners. No dramas. We got three goals, another clean sheet – that’s two on the bounce – and made it eight wins out of nine so it’s a really good run of form just now.
“I was pleased with the overall performance.”
It took 13 minutes for Mechanics to take the lead as Stuart Soane’s lay-off was fired into the bottom left-hand corner by Allan MacPhee from 20 yards.
Clach keeper Ryan Hunter, who signed for the Inverness side on Monday alongside John Cameron and Scott Graham, produced a great save to keep the score down on 20 minutes.
The visitors squandered a huge chance to level five minutes before the break as Ross Logan skewed an effort wide from inside the area.
And Forres made them pay after the break as Stuart Soane barged his way through Sean Webb's challenge and slotted into the bottom right-hand corner on 52 minutes. That goal takes Soane to the top of the scoring charts in the Highland League and associated competitions this season with 15.
Ross MacPherson almost got himself on the scoresheet with 20 minutes remaining but his effort from a corner was cleared off the line by Ryan Mackintosh.
Owen Paterson came off the bench and grabbed a goal as Mechanics tied the game up with little more than 10 minutes remaining. Simon Allan’s quick thinking from a drop ball got Paterson in behind and, at the second attempt after a Hunter save, he tapped in to complete the scoring.
The comfortable victory comes the day after chairman Dr James Anderson's resignation was announced.
Charlie Rowley was disappointed to see the Doc, who had been in his role for 13 years, step aside.
He said: "In my 10 seasons here he has been the chairman and not only has it been a working relationship, but a friendship as well.
“I’m really sad to see him go but I do understand his reasoning.
“I realise things change and personnel change – one day I won’t be here – and things have to move on. That doesn’t take away from the fact we won’t have that working relationship.
“He has been a credit to the club and the town in general.”
