Forres Thistle win again to dent Islavale's promotion challenge
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ISLAVALE could not halt Forres Thistle's march towards the north junior division two title.
The unbeaten Jags recorded a 2-0 victory at Simpson Park on Saturday to remain seven points clear of Burghead Thistle at the top.
Two new signings bolstered the Forres squad, with ex-Mechanics player Ross Paterson starting and striker Ross Archibald, on loan from Deveronvale, on the bench.
In blustery condition, play was cagey in the opening stages and chances were at a premium.
A pinpoint cross from Jags' Danny Black found debut boy Paterson, who controlled the ball well on his chest but blazed over the bar.
Brandon Hutcheson perhaps had the best chance of the first half from an outswinging corner by Neil Moir but couldn't continue his fine scoring form as he headed over from six yards.
A bursting run down the left wing from Forres top scorer Matty Fraser into the box saw his shot well blocked by keeper Elliott Gordon. The rebound fell to Paterson but once again the home defence stood strong.
Islavale forced a good save out of Forres keeper Dan Mcleod with a free kick before the break.
Thistle made changes in the second half, switching to a 4-4-2 formation and introducing ex-Mechanics and Lossiemouth attacker Archibald to the action.
The loan player instantly got involved, played in Fraser who lifted the ball over the on rushing Gordon to find the back of the net for the opening goal, his 14th of the season.
Scott Moore was next to have ago but his shot was well over, while Paterson, Fraser and Stewart Hunter came close for the visitors.
Finally, Jags' 12th win in 14 league games was secured late on, with Archibald once more the provider with a ball to the back post which was tapped in by Neil Moir.
Islavale did have a chance in the closing moments but Forres defender Matty Milne's last ditch tackle ensured a clean sheet for the league leaders.
