Nairn County crank up title heat

NAIRN County are nine points behind Highland League leaders Wick Academy with five games in hand following their 3-0 weekend win at Strathspey Thistle.

Les Fridge’s side, who host Fort William on Wednesday night (weather permitting), took the lead against the battling Jags on 53 minutes when Robbie Duncanson scored from 15 yards.

Sub Craig MacMillan made it 2-0 on 79 minutes and further gloss was added to the scoreline late on as Michael Morrison netted from a free-kick.

Fort William’s youngsters lost out to 2012 Highland League champions Forres Mechanics at Claggan Park.

As has been the case for much of the year, the Lochaber team included two teenagers on the bench.

Scott Moore put Forres ahead on 25 minutes with a cleverly placed lob.

Deep in first half injury time, Moore won his team a penalty when he went down in the Fort box and Simon Allan netted to make it 2-0.

The game was put out of reach seven minutes into the second half when Ryan MacIntosh scored.

Fort kept plugging away and grabbed a consolation when Andy MacLean scored after Forres goalkeeper Stuart Knight parried Martin Groat’s effort.

Elsewhere, Wick Academy remain out in front in top spot following their 6-1 rout of Keith at Kynoch Park, Brora Rangers went goal crazy too with a 9-1 away win at Rothes and four goals were shared between Inverurie Locos and Buckie Thistle.

Turriff United saw off visitors Lossiemouth 3-0, while Deveronvale were 2-1 home victors against Fraserburgh.

Clach’s fixture at Steve Paterson’s title chasers Formartine United was postponed due to waterlogged pitch. The Lilywhites host Lossiemouth on Wednesday night then Fort William on Saturday.