Highland League football: Buckie Thistle and Forres Mechanics dent title hopes of Brechin City and Banks o’ Dee
Forres Mechanics produced a sensational 3-2 victory to dent the Highland League title hopes of Banks o’ Dee in Aberdeen.
The game was goalless at half-time, but birthday boy Jordan Alonge fired Mechanics ahead five minutes after the restart.
Banks o’ Dee - who were just three points behind leading duo Brora Rangers and Brechin City at kick-off - turned the game around with goals from Andy Hunter (67th minute) and Lachie MacLeod (72nd minute).
But Alonge grabbed his second from the penalty spot in the 80th minute to level the scores, and the winner was provided by Matt Jamieson three minutes later.
Buckie Thistle - who are seventh in their title defence - grabbed an impressive point at Brechin City, who started the day level on points with Brora.
New signing Fin Allen hit a double as the Jags twice went ahead. City’s goals were scored by Ewan Loudon and Dayle Robertson.
Brora Rangers capitalised on Brechin and Banks o’ Dee faltering to move clear at the top of the table. They were 2-0 winners at Turriff United, with goals scored by Conor Bunce and Shane Sutherland.
There was heartbreak for bottom club Strathspey Thistle - who twice equalised before conceding in the 94th minute at Formartine United.
Graeme Rodger hit a double for United, but goals from Daniel Whitehorn and Paul Brindle (pen) had the scores at 2-2.
But Strathy - who had Ali Nixon sent off - were to suffer a late sickener as Rhys Thomas grabbed the home side all three points in the fourth minute of added time.
Fraserburgh and Wick Academy drew 1-1 at Bellslea Park. Kyle Henderson put Academy ahead before Kieran Simpson scored for the hosts.
All other matches - including the Moray derby between Keith and Rothes - were postponed due to the weather.
