Breedon Highland League: Ten-man-Forres Mechanics end losing run with Clach draw, first defeat for Brechin City at Formartine United keeps Buckie Thistle on top
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Wednesday could have been a pivotal evening in the Highland League football season.
Brechin City are feeling the pressure after crashing to their first league defeat in more than a year, going down 2-0 to Formartine United.
They still trail leaders Buckie Thistle - who didn't have a game - by two points with just one game in hand and have some very tricky fixtures to come.
Rothes were the highest scoring team of the night as they smashed in nine without reply against hapless Strathspey Thistle.
Aidan Wilson netted five times in the opening 63 minutes including a first half hat-trick before being substituted.
Recent signing Liam Shewan helped himself to a brace, there was a first Speysiders' goal for Ewan Neil and sub Alan Pollock also netted in a one-sided romp.
Paul Campbell made it ten goals in five games for Formartine to open the scoring against Brechin, before Julian Wade's late strike inflicted a first loss of the league campaign on Brechin.
It was City's first Highland League defeat since February 12 last year when they went down 1-0 at Buckie.
Forres Mechanics ended a run of five straight defeats in a 0-0 stalemate at home to Clach.
The Cans played more than half the game with ten men after Thomas Brady was sent off, while James Anderson missed a penalty for the visitors.
Brora Rangers almost matched Rothes' scoring exploits as they cruised to a 7-1 derby win at Wick Academy.
Goals by Jordan MacRae and Max Ewan had the Cattachs 2-0 up at half time and they scored five more in the final half hour.
Dale Gillespie (pen), sub Andy Macrae, Ali Sutherland and Tony Dingwall (2) also netted with Marc MacGregor replying for the home team.
Banks O' Dee jumped out of the bottom two for the first time since they were deducted 24 points with a comeback success at Lossiemouth.
Ross Morrison put the Coasters ahead on 17 minutes before veteran Neil Gauld struck twice, including a penalty, before half time to earn a 2-1 Dee win.
The Aberdonians jumped over three teams with their win including Keith, who dropped to second bottom following their 1-0 loss at Huntly.
The Maroons stifled their hosts until the 75th minute when Michael Dangana netted to land Huntly all three points.
