Inverurie Locos 0 Forres Mechanics 1: Third straight away victory for Can-Cans as Mark Souter own goal ends Locos unbeaten start

A gritty Forres Mechanics display earned another three points at Inverurie Locos to the delight of manager Steven MacDonald.

Cans made it three wins out of four in the Highland League this season with a fine 1-0 victory to end Locos' unbeaten start to the season.

A Mark Souter own goal shortly into the second half was all that separated the two sides at a sweltering Harlaw Park.

Forres boss MacDonald praised a determined defensive show from his men to stifle the home side.

"I'm delighted that we have came here and won," he said. "It's always been a hard place to come, so I'm just thrilled for the boys.

"After last week it was a different type of win, it was always going to be a lot harder and physical game.

"We stood up to them really well, so that was pleasing and we didn't get bullied. They were very direct with their play and sent a lot of long balls in but we handled it really well right to the end."

Before the game started Locos captain Greg Mitchell and vice-captain Souter were recognised for each making 250 appearances for the club.

Robert Ward was looking dangerous for the hosts and he made a good run into the Forres half, beat a few players, turned and got a shot away but his effort was high and wide of the target.

Locos were awarded a free-kick in a good position which was struck towards goal by Calum Dingwall and Stuart Knight was there to dive and save.

The visitors had a couple of opportunities at the end of the first half. Locos had left themselves open with Ethan Cairns making a good run and was blocked.

From a corner there was a goalmouth scramble with the ball falling to Ben Barron who could not guide it home.

MacDonald said: "In the first half we contained them and there wasn't much in it. It was a bit scrappy but that sort of suited us and I was quite happy coming in at 0-0.

"We didn't pass the ball well enough in the first half, we were panicky in possession and I thought we could play better after the break."

After the break Locos threatened first when Matthew Petermann sent in a nice high ball to Fergus Alberts who did not find the target with his header.

Forres then took the lead when Ryan MacLeman played in Cairns who got a cross sent into the box and Souter slided in to block it but put the ball into the net for an own goal, with Ben Barron waiting to pounce.

Locos went on the hunt for an equaliser and substitute Jay Halliday fired in a good ball which was delivered to Ward, however, he could not control it and it went out of play.

The hosts continued to press and sub Jamie Michie played a cross to Lloyd Robertson who got a header on to it which went by the post and out.

Forres then had a chance to increase their lead when Cairns was through on goal. Pressure from Locos goalkeeper Andy Reid saw him send his effort into the side netting.

Locos were pushing for a goal but were proving to be wasteful with Souter, Ward and Halliday all squandering opportunities in the Forres box, as the visitors held on for victory.

"We created the goal from a nice pass from Ryan (MacLeman) and Ethan (Cairns), who was tireless working up front and got a really good cross in. Ben (Barron) would have knocked it home but the defender has put it in before he did.

"After that we showed that different, grittier side and defended really well. It is another clean sheet and that is three out of the four games, so we are delighted with that.

"It's a big improvement and we've got to keep that up especially coming to harder places like this. I'm just delighted for the boys because they are working really hard.

"Ruari Fraser was outstanding, he had a really good game and really led the team which I'm trying to get more and more out of him to take that authority. Connall Ewan did exceptionally well for a young player who's just turned 17.

"It was a very hot day and it was part of the game plan not to throw everything at it in the first half.

"We tried to keep it quite controlled, so we would have something left. That worked out quite well, we were the livelier team at the start of the second half.

"We've got a big squad now that has a bit of depth and everyone is playing their part.

"It helped when we got the goal, it gave us that belief and I didn't think we were desperately hanging on.

"They were going wide and sending balls in to get an equaliser but they were a bit wasteful.

"The start of the season has been really good. There's a lot of changes been made, so for us to begin the campaign so well you have to be pleased with that.

"It's early days and we are certainly not getting carried away with it. Still it is encouraging to come to places like this and get that battling win and show a different side, which you need to do."

Next up for Mechanics is a North Cup quarter-final at home to Lossiemouth on Wednesday.

Forres: Knight, Skinner, R Fraser, Wood, Groat, Barron (Morrison), Grant, Johnston (Murray), Ewan, Macleman (L Fraser), Cairns. Subs: Davies, Davidson, Brady, Donaldson.

Inverurie Locos suffered their first Highland League defeat of the season at the hands of Forres Mechanics.