Lossies post-Scottish Cup qualification hangover continued with a battling but ultimately unrewarding afternoon at Grant Park. Despite a high flying Forres side taking an early lead, they were well contained in the second half until a controversial penalty and sending off allowed them to move clear before Craig Morrison added a touch of respectability to the scoreline.

The afternoon started badly for the home side, as they allowed Forres the opening goal inside of five minutes. Neil Whyte won the ball from Gareth Smith on the corner of the box before setting up Craig MACMILLAN to finish nicely to Dunns far post.

Lossie were forced into an early change, with Garrett coming on for a clearly injured Reid after 25 minutes. For long spells, the home side could not clear the ball from their half, but managed to restrict Forres to a half-dozen long range shots and free kicks on goal.

Half time – Lossiemouth 0 Forres Mechanics 1

Lossie came out fighting for the second half and Forres took some time to get into gear. Kennedy was the first to test Rae in the visitors goal, but the keeper was equal to the shot. Forres had their first chance of the half just past the hour, when wide-open MacMillan headed a free kick past the post when it looked easier to score.

Forres won the game with a quarter hour to go. Gary Youngson pulled back scorer MacMillan just outside the box and was red carded, and the referee awarded Forres a penalty. Steve MACKAY stepped up and sent Dunn the wrong way from twelve yards. Before Lossie could settle into a new formation, Forres added a third through Craig CAMPBELL from the edge of the box. A three-goal lead flattered the visitors who, for a supposedly top of the table side, had looked very ordinary at times.

Lossie finally gave the home support something to cheer late on. Craig MORRISON sprung the Can Cans offside trap and raced through on goal before producing a technically perfect chip over the Forres keeper.

Full time – Lossiemouth 1 Forres Mechanics 3