Royley rejoices as Cans get off to winner

Forres Mechanics 2 Rothes 0

Scorers: Andrew Fraser (41), Scott Lawrie (77) Scorers:

Forres Mechanics manager Charlie Rowley was pleased to kickstart the new campaign with a 2-0 victory over Rothes.

A goal in each half from new signing Andrew Fraser and Scott Lawrie made sure of opening day success against Frani More’s side at Mosset Park.

Although, Rothes had chances in the game, Rowley was always confident his side would come through with all three points in a wind-affected encounter.

Rowley said: “After week one you don’t want to be playing catch up. Although Rothes had a few chances it was quite comfortable for us in the end.

“I watched Rothes against Lossie last week and they did well in spells. In the first-half on Saturday, they had a strong wind at their backs, although there wasn’t much in the game at that stage.

“They had a one-on-one chance from our mistake from a free-kick, however Stuart Knight saved it. We then went up the park and scored the first goal just before half-time.

“The second-half was a different story. We dominated for long, long spells, although Rothes had a great chance to equalise, just before we again went up the park and made it 2-0.

“We should have had at least another one or two more goals. However, it’s hard to be too critical at this stage.”

“It was good to see Andrew Fraser score on his home debut. For strikers it’s important they have confidence, so for them to get off to good starts is pleasing. In terms of Andrew’s fitness levels he’s a wee bit behind, but we can work on that. But it’s pleasing to see him score.

“We’ve also got Lee Fraser, Kyle Scott and Ross MacPherson to come back, while Graham Fraser and Ross Archibald were on the bench.”

The win sets Forres up for an away tie against Lossiemouth on Wednesday, in the second round of the AJG Parcels North of Scotland Cup (kick-off 8pm at Grant Park).

With the Can-Cans having received a first round bye, Rowley attended Lossie’s 3-1 win against Rothes last week in the knowledge his side would face the winner in the following round.

Lossie then lost 3-0 to Formartine United on Saturday, and Steve Paterson’s men provide the next challenge for Forres in league business this weekend.

Rowley is hopeful ahead of both games.

He added: “Lossie deserved to win against Rothes, although Rothes did have good spells in the game. But the overriding feeling was that Lossie were the best side. By all accounts they played quite well although were beaten by a lethal Formartine side on Saturday. We will need a positive performance to get through.”

“If we can keep Cammy Keith and Mikey Ewen quiet then we will be heading towards getting a positive result. Hopefully what Lee Fraser did to them last year will be in the back of their minds. He will be back from holiday on Friday and ready for the game.

“It will be a good early season test to see how we stand up against one of the favourites to win the league.”

The visitors were first to threaten on Saturday after 12 minutes, when a Callum McIntosh corner from the right was headed goalwards from the penalty spot, however his effort looped over the bar.

On 17 minutes Forbes was at the centre of the Rothes attack once again, this time striking goalwards from the edge of the area but being denied by Stuart Knight.

Forres’ first real chance came when Speysiders keeper Ricky Horne punched Duncan Jones’ free-kick towards the path of Scott Moore on the edge of the area, but his eventual shot was screwed wide of the post.

A mistake by Graeme Grant led to Rothes’ best chance of the first-half, as he attempted a quick free-kick which went straight to Forbes. The on-loan Formartine player found Sean McIntosh whose shot was saved by Knight, before falling to his namesake Callum who dragged his shot wide.

Forres took the initiative in the game four minutes before the break. Knight’s goal-kick was flicked on by Scott Lawrie to find Andrew Fraser, with the new signing from Inverness City steadying himself before powerfully executing past Horne.

Mechanics had an excellent chance to double their lead in their most dominant spell early in the second-half, as Moore created space to find a pass for Lawrie eight yards out. However, he angled his shot straight at Horne when he should have found the net.

Craig McGovern and Lawrie both threatened again for Charlie Rowley’s side, however the all-important second goal came 13 minutes from time.

Substitute Ross Archibald switched the play to the right hand side for Ryan MacKintosh to run at the visiting defence, with his shot ricocheting off two players before falling for Scott Lawrie who slotted past Horne from close-range.

Forres: Stuart Knight, Simon Allan, Paul Smith, Graeme Grant, Steven Fraser, Duncan Jones, Scott Moore, Ryan Mackintosh (John Ross 85), Scott Lawrie, Andrew Fraser (Ross Archibald 71), Craig McGovern. Subs: Graeme Fraser, Ryan Green, Drew Howard.

Rothes: Ricky Horne, Alan Shearer, Kevin Shortreed, Michael Smith, Gary Ewen, Michael Dunn, Callum McIntosh (Derek Ramsey 74), Jack Pressley, Sean McIntosh (Andrew Corbett 61), Liam Forbes (Philip Watt 87), Scott Dunn. Subs: Gary Gallacher, David MacCallum.

Booked: Callum McIntosh (71)

Referee – Andy Milne

Gazette Golden Star: Scott Lawrie. A goal, as well as an assist for new boy Andrew Fraser. With Lee Fraser still to come back, Lawrie did his chances of nailing down a starting spot no harm whatsoever.