Forres Mechanics manager Steven MacDonald pleased with another positive result against Highland League high ranker as Formartine United are held at Mosset Park

The Highland League’s top sides don’t hold any fears for Forres Mechanics this season.

Manager Steven MacDonald was pleased to see his men hold Formartine United to a 1-1 draw at Mosset Park on Saturday.

The Cans have already won at Formartine this season, as well as taking the scalps of champs Buckie Thistle and front runners Brechin City and Banks o’ Dee.

“It's not often I'm that pleased with a draw, but it just felt good on Saturday that we'd managed to come back against a top team after losing a goal after seven minutes, which makes it very hard,” MacDonald said.

Paul Campbell gave United the early advantage which they held until half time, but Jordan Alonge’s ninth goal of the season on 51 minutes tied things up.

“On a different day we could have possibly won it, but I suppose they would say the same,” MacDonald added. “I thought the draw was a fair result, but I was really pleased with the boys.

“Teams like Formartine are so good and professional. But we really went at it in the second half and we were on the front foot for quite a lot of it.

“Standing up to a big side like that - that was the pleasing factor. In seasons gone by, we might have crumbled with that - and we have done.

“I can see steps going forward at times. But remember also that it was only a week ago that we performed as bad as we had all season at Wick.”

That 3-1 loss at Harmsworth Park seven days earlier stung MacDonald but he got the reaction he was looking for.

“It's interesting that we seem to do better when we are up against the so-called bigger teams. In other games where you would expect us to, maybe we haven't done so well.

On Alonge, a mid-season signing from Rothes in good scoring form, MacDonald said: “It was pleasing for Jordan to get another goal.”

And while Along has now overtaken striker Kyle MacLeod on the scoring charts, MacDonald values the work being done by the front man even though goals aren’t quite happening for him right now.

“On the other side of it, Kyle's probably not getting as many goals as he deserves. He was a bit unlucky with a couple on Saturday.

“It’s unfortunate, but he must have been black and blue when he came off the pitch because of the effort he's put in. I think it's massive for the team.

“He doesn't get the limelight as much as Jordan, who seems to be popping up with goals and man of the match awards. Kyle's very important to all that.

“It doesn't particularly worry me. I think he's got eight goals himself. Probably could be double that with a bit of luck.

“It's more his performances and influence that really help the team.”

MacDonald sees Saturday’s opponents Deveronvale as a much-improved team who have already won 3-1 at Mosset Park this term and will be keen to complete a league double.

Vale were moments away from forcing a penalty shoot-out against league leaders Brora Rangers in Saturday’s Highland League Cup semi-final, before the Cattachs struck twice late on for a 3-1 win.

“It sounds like they've put up a good show in the cup. So we know it’ll be tough when they beat us at home.”

Mechanics will be without defender Charlie Macdonald, who missed the Formartine match due to holidays and will still be away this weekend.