Jags will meet Banks o' Dee while Huntly host Inverurie for a place in the final.
Rothes and Brechin close the gap on leaders Fraserburgh.
A four-goal first half blitz pleased Forres and angered Huntly.
League Cup quest begins on Saturday for Jags, who lost in last year's final.
Maroons dip into the junior ranks to bolster a squad hit by injuries and suspensions.
More than 350 runners took part in Sunday's run
Jags miss out for second home game running because of the rainy conditions.
James Brownie's new contract runs until the summer of 2024.
Victoria Park was unplayable on Saturday but looks good for a match tonight.
Games were recently postponed due to the weather or Scottish Cup replays.
Coasters were denied revenge win by last minute Innes McKay equaliser.
Nine-year-old rider serves well by her ponies Teddy and Ruby.
Jags have a sequence of Highland League games coming up against sides in the bottom half of the league.
Hale said Huntly were the better team for 45 minutes of their 4-1 defeat.
High flyers Kelty defeated Buckie 4-1 in Fife.
If Elgin win at Clydebank on BBC Scotland tonight they host Clyde at the next stage.
The 23-year-old has lost just once in 14 fights and steps up to open elite class.
A total of 32 goals on a busy Highland League Saturday.
Lossiemouth meet Fort William for the second time this season.
Winter competitions played across the north east.
