GPH Builders Merchants Highland League Cup: Holders Rothes ousted by Fraserburgh while Forres Mechanics and Buckie Thistle set up semi-final date

ROTHES' reign as Highland League Cup holders is over after a 2-1 home defeat to Fraserburgh.

Ross Jack's side lifted the trophy last year after a famous 2-1 success over Buckie Thistle at Huntly, but their interest in thus season's competition has ended at the quarter-final stage.

League leaders Fraserburgh came to Mackessack Park keen to avenge a league defeat to the Speysiders, and raced into a 2-0 lead inside half and hour.

Scott Barbour's 28th goal of the season and a Paul Campbell strike floored Rothes, who quickly replied with a fine Aiden Wilson strike to half Broch's lead.

Rothes couldn't find a leveller even after Fraserburgh scorer Campbell was sent off late in the game.

Fraserburgh now host Brora Rangers in the semis on March 12 while the other tie will be an all-Moray affair.

Forres Mechanics beat Clach 2-1 at Mosset Park to book a home clash with Buckie Thistle, who edged out Inverurie Locos 1-0.

Paul Brindle and Dale Wood fired Forres 2-0 up before Connor Bunce got one back on the stroke of half time.

At Victoria Park, Buckie couldn't match their 5-1 league win at Locos on Saturday but Scott Adams' 27th minute goal won the day.

In the Highland League, Keith had a night to forget as they crashed to a 6-0 defeat at home to Brechin City.

After a goal-less first 44 minutes, David Cox opened the scoring on his way to a Brechin hat-trick.

Further goals by Julian Wade, Cammie Ross and a Ryan Robertson own goal embellished the visitors' victory.

Huntly came from behind for a 2-1 success at Strathspey Thistle.

Kris Duncan netted first for relegation-threatened Jags with Robbie Foster tying up the scores at the break.

Huntly had stopper Logan Johnstone sent off with 20 minutes to go but the ten men regrouped quickly and Andy Hunter plundered a winner.

Nairn County's match against bottom side Fort William was postponed.