Forres Mechanics 0 Buckie Thistle 1: Can-Cans knocked out by Jack Murray screamer

By Jonathan Clark

Published: 10:30, 30 October 2023

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FORRES Mechanics fell at the second hurdle in the Scottish Cup after a 1-0 defeat to Moray rivals Buckie Thistle.

Jack Murray's superb curling effort in the 39th minute was enough to split the two sides, although Buckie ended with 10 men after Ryan Fyffe's late red card.

Buckie Thistle's Jack Murray celebrates the only goal of the game. ..Forres Mechanics FC (0) vs Buckie Thistle FC (1) - Scottish Cup Round Two 23/24 - Mosset Park, Forres 28/10/2023...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

The Jags' reward for their success is a trip to East of Scotland League side Broxburn Athletic, who defeated Deveronvale 1-0 at Princess Royal Park on Saturday.

Forres manager Steven MacDonald said: "The performance was good. The boys did everything we asked of them and we gave it everything.

"We are disappointed to go out to a great strike because there wasn't much between the teams. The way we went about was really pleasing but we just fell short in the end.

"Buckie are a really good side and they have deserved to go through on the day. We didn't want to have regrets and the only ones we will have are the wee half chances."

There was a controversial moment within a minute of kick-off as Calum Frame raced through and was brought down by Ryan Fyffe's challenge.

The referee decided on a yellow card, with Buckie believing the ball was played and Forres players calling for a red card for the last-man challenge. The resultant free-kick was hammered into the wall by Lee Fraser.

Buckie's first chance came on eight minutes as Josh Peters' cutback was blocked by Fraser, before Forres broke up the other end and Shaun Morrison dragged an effort wide from the edge of the box.

After weathering an early Forres storm, Buckie took control and went close through Andy MacAskill on 25 minutes as his shot was blocked behind.

Buckie Thistle midfielder Andy MacAskill has a shot on goal. ..Forres Mechanics FC (0) vs Buckie Thistle FC (1) - Scottish Cup Round Two 23/24 - Mosset Park, Forres 28/10/2023...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

At the other end, Forres went close when Ethan Cairns' header was grasped by Stuart Knight – returning to Mosset Park, where he played for more than a decade.

It was Buckie that led at half-time, though, as centre-half Jack Murray curled a beauty from 25 yards into the top-left corner.

Buckie Thistle's Jack Murray scores the only goal of the game. ..Forres Mechanics FC (0) vs Buckie Thistle FC (1) - Scottish Cup Round Two 23/24 - Mosset Park, Forres 28/10/2023...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Peters went close for the Jags after the break as he fired wide from 20 yards. Forres' best chance of the second half came when Calum Frame burst through, but Darryl McHardy defended well.

Buckie ended the game with 10 men after Fyffe was shown his second yellow with six minutes remaining for a trip off the ball.

Buckie Thistle's Ryan Fyffe (centre right) is shown red...Forres Mechanics FC (0) vs Buckie Thistle FC (1) - Scottish Cup Round Two 23/24 - Mosset Park, Forres 28/10/2023...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

The visitors, though, had the best chances to score the second goal – with youngster Lyall Keir going close twice, firing a curling shot wide and then seeing a lobbed effort tipped over by Aidan MacDonald.

Forres Mechanics' keeper Aidan Macdonald saves well late on...Forres Mechanics FC (0) vs Buckie Thistle FC (1) - Scottish Cup Round Two 23/24 - Mosset Park, Forres 28/10/2023...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Mechanics are away to Brora Rangers at the weekend, with the Cattachs set to be on a high after beating League Two side Stenhousemuir 2-0 in the Scottish Cup.