Forres Mechanics 0 Buckie Thistle 1: Jack Murray screamer decides derby as Jags reach Scottish Cup third round
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BUCKIE Thistle progressed to the third round of the Scottish Cup with a 1-0 victory over Forres Mechanics at Mosset Park.
Jack Murray's superb curling effort in the 39th minute was enough to split the two sides, although Buckie ended with 10 men after Ryan Fyffe's late red card.
The Jags' reward for their success is a trip to East of Scotland League side Broxburn Athletic, who defeated Deveronvale 1-0 at Princess Royal Park on Saturday.
Manager Graeme Stewart said: "We never played that well, but you don't just say we never played well – you have to give Forres credit.
"Overall, I'm delighted, we are in the next round, happy days, but we could have scored a few more, first half especially."
There was a controversial moment within a minute of kick-off as Calum Frame raced through and was brought down by Ryan Fyffe's challenge.
The referee decided on a yellow card, with Buckie believing the ball was played and Forres players calling for a red card for the last-man challenge. The resultant free-kick was hammered into the wall by Lee Fraser.
Buckie's first chance came on eight minutes as Josh Peters' cutback was blocked by Fraser, before Forres broke up the other end and Shaun Morrison dragged an effort wide from the edge of the box.
After weathering an early Forres storm, Buckie took control and went close through Andy MacAskill on 25 minutes as his shot was blocked behind.
At the other end, Forres went close when Ethan Cairns' header was grasped by Stuart Knight – returning to Mosset Park, where he played for more than a decade.
It was Buckie that led at half-time, though, as centre-half Jack Murray curled a beauty from 25 yards into the top-left corner.
Peters went close for the Jags after the break as he fired wide from 20 yards. Forres' best chance of the second half came when Calum Frame burst through, but Darryl McHardy defended well.
Buckie ended the game with 10 men after Fyffe was shown his second yellow with six minutes remaining for a trip off the ball.
The visitors, though, had the best chances to score the second goal – with youngster Lyall Keir going close twice, firing a curling shot wide and then seeing a lobbed effort tipped over by Aidan MacDonald.
Mechanics manager Steven MacDonald said: "The performance was good. The boys did everything we asked of them and we gave it everything.
"We are disappointed to go out to a great strike because there wasn't much between the teams. The way we went about was really pleasing but we just fell short in the end.
"Buckie are a really good side and they have deserved to go through on the day. We didn't want to have regrets and the only ones we will have are the wee half chances."
