PICTURES: Forres Mechanics manager Steven MacDonald sees progression since eight-goal Brora Rangers defeat and is eager to return to winning ways
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FORRES Mechanics are steadily improving since their Brora Rangers horror show, but manager Steven MacDonald says it’s time to get back to winning ways.
This weekend’s Moray derby at MacDonald’s former club Rothes would be the perfect place to break a four-game losing run, said the Cans boss.
That sequence of defeats was started by a bruising 8-0 reversal at home to Brora, with Cans also going down to Turriff, Clach and Banks O' Dee.
He was encouraged by his team’s response to losing a first-minute goal to Dee on Saturday, but disappointed his men couldn’t go on and get something for their efforts as they went down to a 2-1 home defeat.
“Giving Banks O’ Dee a one-goal lead right away made it really difficult for us,” he said. “It was a gift early in the game and obviously disappointing.
"The last few weeks, the way it’s being going you wonder if it’s a case of them going back into their shell and not showing anything but it was the opposite.
“That was really pleasing to see that we dug in and showed some character because it was definitely needed.
“For the rest of the half we were really good and creating chances, getting closer to people and competing. It felt much more like what we know we can do."
Shaun Morrison cancelled out Magnus Watson's early strike with a left foot finish on the half hour.
But Lachie Macleod's back-heeled finish on 69 minutes earned the away side full points.
"Shaun got a really good equaliser and from there we have had the better chances of the half.
"To be fair I would say Banks O’ Dee had the lion’s share of the second half but they didn’t create many chances and Knighty (Forres keeper Stuart Knight) didn’t have many saves.
"But they got down the side of us and got their winner which was disappointing.
"Overall we are more satisfied performance-wise but you are never happy getting beat.
"I’ve always said if you are performing well, putting the effort in and doing the right things then you will generally be OK but games go one way or another on little decisions.
"If the performances are more like that we will get back to winning ways soon.
“I’m optimistic, but at the same time it’s four defeats in a row and it’s not good enough. We need to end that as soon as possible.”
Cans defeated Rothes 4-3 in a thriller at Mosset Park in September but MacDonald expects Saturday’s rematch in Speyside to be less open.
“Rothes came into that game on a poor run of form and had a few bodies out. You expect a different game, they will be disappointed only getting a late equaliser on Saturday and in many respects they will be in the same boat as ourselves in looking to get back to winning ways.”
