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Forres Mechanics’ former Ross County striker Calum Frame celebrates first senior hat-trick in Highland League derby win at Nairn County





Forres Mechanics teenager Calum Frame couldn’t hide his delight after scoring his first senior hat-trick in the 5-1 derby romp at Nairn County.

The 19-year-old, who was on the books of Ross County for more than a decade, is really finding his feet in Highland League football with 12 goals this season.

Calum Frame (right) has had a superb season in Forres Mechanics’ attack. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
Calum Frame (right) has had a superb season in Forres Mechanics’ attack. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

Frame still harbours a desire to play at a higher level again, but is loving life at Mosset Park and on a great run of scoring form.

“This year has been pretty decent for me and that’s my first hat-trick in senior football,” he said. “I’m delighted with that.

“I got six goals last season in my first year, so I've already doubled it this year, 12 so far.”

The tall striker has scored ten times in his last 12 outings, and netted all three on Saturday at Station Park in a deadly 20-minute spell.

Frame admitted that the goalless first half wasn’t high on entertainment value, but the contest exploded into life with four Forres goals in a 12-minute spell.

Forres Mechanics celebrate scoring in the 5-1 victory at Nairn County. Picture: James Mackenzie
Forres Mechanics celebrate scoring in the 5-1 victory at Nairn County. Picture: James Mackenzie

Kyle MacLeod, who last week made his loan move to Forres from Brora Rangers a permanent one, scored the opener and Shaun Sutherland quickly made it 2-0.

Before the Wee County could recover, Frame scored two in quick succession around the hour mark and completed his treble with ten minutes to go.

“I think at half time we definitely knew we could do a lot more, but the start we had to the second half was decent,” he said.

“To get the two goals pretty quickly was nice. Then I made the run in behind to get my first one. Mark (McLauchlan) managed to find me pretty nicely and I don't know if it took a bobble or what, but it was quite a nice finish. I was pretty delighted with myself for that.

“The second one was quickfire, just a front post corner and a nice flick. I think it kind of caught me by surprise as well.

Mechanics’ Shaun Sutherland evades a Nairn tackle. Picture: James Mackenzie
Mechanics’ Shaun Sutherland evades a Nairn tackle. Picture: James Mackenzie

“I wasn't expecting it, taking it at that angle but I was buzzing with that.

“Later in the game I was just thinking, just to get that third goal. When it fell nicely for Shaun Morrison, I was wide open and just praying that he'd find me and he managed to do that and I slotted it underneath the keeper.

“It was a great feeling.”

Frame says there’s a welcoming atmosphere in the Mechanics camp and a good blend of players.

“It's a great bunch of lads. It's a good mix between the youth and quite a few senior boys. So, obviously, they help out massively to give the young boys the best chance possible.”

An aerial tussle in Saturday’s derby clash between Nairn and Forres. Picture: James Mackenzie
An aerial tussle in Saturday’s derby clash between Nairn and Forres. Picture: James Mackenzie

From joining Ross County at the age of seven, to being released by the Dingwall club at 18, the disappointment will always be there for the striker but he won’t let it affect his career plans.

“I was in the academy for 11 years. All the way up to under-18s and at the end of that they just released me.

“It wasn't, obviously, what you wanted to hear. The main thing was just getting back into football and finding a team and managing to do the best I could for them.

I joined Forres for pre-season and I was really excited. I was delighted to sign for them.

“I got the winner against Strathspey on my debut in the Highland League, so that was the perfect start.

“Now I feel that I just want to play at the highest level I can. The change between boys' football, academy football and men's football was a big change.

“The manager (Steven MacDonald) is always there when you need him. And he has the team playing in the best style possible.

Forres Mechanics manager Steven MacDonald (right) and first team coach David MacKay survey their team’s victory at Nairn. Picture: James Mackenzie
Forres Mechanics manager Steven MacDonald (right) and first team coach David MacKay survey their team’s victory at Nairn. Picture: James Mackenzie

“There’s been some good results this season, and one or two setbacks. The Turriff defeat (losing 6-1 at home) was a pretty big shock for us, but to beat teams like Brechin and Buckie show what we're capable of.

“They were massive results for us, and hopefully we can get more of those.”



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