Forres Mechanics plaudits for young star Owen Paterson after scoring contribution to Deveronvale win
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FORRES Mechanics manager Charlie Rowley has praised Owen Paterson for the impact he is starting to make on the team.
The youngster was on the scoresheet again in the 3-1 win at Deveronvale on Saturday and had an impressive 90 minutes (see SHFLTV Youtube match highlights above).
Paterson (21) opened the scoring after 20 minutes and within a minute Lee Fraser had headed in a second to put Forres in command.
A great strike by Allan MacPhee made it 3-0 at half-time and although Greg Buchan pulled one back with 20 minutes to go, Forres comfortably played out the game to collect the three points.
The win saw them jump above Nairn County into seventh place, just four points behind Formartine Utd who lost 2-0 at Rothes.
“Overall, there is no question the better team won the game,” said Rowley.
“Owen has come on in leaps and bounds and he has been really pleasing for us. It is amazing what a bit of confidence and belief gives you.
“He’s now close to cementing a place every week in the starting line-up. He has been with us a long time and he is now bearing fruit for his patience.
“He has come right up from the youth ranks. When he first came to first team training he was just a slight lad, but he’s stretched and put on a bit of weight which was the issue before. That’s two goals in three games and we are really pleased with his input.”
Martin Groat, who suffered broken ribs in January, returned to the starting line-up.
“Martin was exceptional. He was just back from broken ribs and has had two weeks training. Jordan (Milne) was away on holiday to Vegas last week and that is why Martin came in.
Forres are at home on Wednesday to Fort William (8pm) in a game switched from unplayable Claggan Park.
