Highland League drama as battling Rothes push Brechin City all the way but slip to bottom spot while Huntly striker clocks up 30 goals and leaders Brora Rangers get stronger

A battling performance by Rothes couldn’t stop them from sliding to the bottom of the Highland League.

The Speysiders went down fighting at home to title-chasing Brechin City, while Strathspey Thistle climbed off the foot of the table after picking up a draw against Nairn County.

Rothes stunned Brechin by taking a first minute leader through skipper Tom Brady, before the visitors made their expected comeback to lead at half time through goals by Cillian Sheridan and Spencer Moreland.

When Brad McKay made it 3-1 early in the second half, Rothes looked down and out but they came up with a spirited revival.

A pivotal moment came in the 73rd minute when Brechin striker Ewan Loudon handled on his own goal-line to concede a penalty and was shown a red card, but Andrew Skinner’s kick was saved by keeper Lenny Wilson.

Rothes striker Shaun Morrison celebrated his debut on loan from Forres Mechanics by scoring to bring it back to 3-2 but the Speysiders’ push for an equaliser fell just short.

Strathspey’s 1-1 draw with Nairn in Grantown was enough to edge them above Rothes on goal difference.

Jags led for most of the game through Caelen Mutch’s early strike but Scott Lisle rescued a draw for County on 88 minutes.

It wasn’t a great day for Moray clubs, with Lossiemouth, Keith and Forres Mechanics joining Rothes on the losing side while Buckie Thistle managed a point thanks to a late leveller.

At Turriff United, Buckie went behind to a Reece McKeown goal on 70 minutes but stopper Innes McKay tied it up on 83 minutes.

Goals by Owen Rendall, Mark Macadie and Marc MacGregor earned Wick Academy a 3-1 win at home to Forres, for whom Liam Grant scored a consolation.

Fraserburgh netted four goals in the final quarter of their home match against Lossie to seal a 5-0 success.

Logan Watt got the only first half strike with Aidan Sopel’s quickfire double midway through the second half taking the game beyond the visitors, and Fraser Mackie and Bryan Hay added two more for Broch.

Keith went down 1-0 to Lloyd Robertson’s 40th minute goal for hosts Inverurie Locos.

The Highland League’s top marksman reached a milestone with his match-winning performance.

Angus Grant scored both Huntly goals in a 2-0 success over Formartine United at Christie Park to make it 30 goals for the campaign.

League leaders Brora Rangers made it four straight wins with 17 goals scored and none conceded as they eased to a 5-0 success at home to Deveronvale.

Colin Williamson, Shane Sutherland, Max Ewan and two from Alex Cooper made up the Cattachs’ total, while Tobias Davies-Browne was sent off for Vale.

There was also a red card at Spain Park where Banks o’ Dee maintained their outside title hopes with a 3-0 victory over Clachnacuddin.

Lachie MacLeod’s first minute opener got the ball rolling and after the Inverness visitors had Harry Nicolson sent off, Jevan Anderson and Max Alexander netted two more goals for Dee.