Lossies drama-filled Qualifying Cup run came to an end at Harlaw Park this weekend, as the Coasters were outgunned by an Inverurie Locos side who came from a goal down to earn a place in the final against Forres Mechanics.

Playing down the slope, Inverurie started the brighter of the two sides, and could have taken an early lead through Craig Ross, but he could only screw his shot wide of Dunn. Lossie were next to threaten, and Stuart Gray in the Locos goal had to be quick to pluck a McIntosh cross from the head of Graeme Kennedy.

The noisy travelling support was rewarded early on, as the visitors scored the opening goal of the game. Gary Youngson fired a ball downfield, where it was flicked on by Kennedy to Craig MORRISON, who sent the keeper the wrong way to give Lossie an early lead.

Locos almost found an instant equaliser through Park, but he sent his header wide. An even better chance fell to Stuart McKay soon after, but he drilled his shot past the post and the watchful eye of Steve Dunn.

Locos finally got an equaliser just before the half hour, and it was something special. Richie SINGER took possession on the edge of the box, and sent a curling shot beyond Dunn to the far post to level the scores. Singer then celebrated in front of the Lossie support like he’d scored the winner in the World Cup final, looking somewhat foolish in the process.

Five minutes before the break, Locos took the lead. Despite the ball appearing to head straight out from a McKay shot, the referee awarded the home side a corner. Singer took the corner and found Steven PARK, who headed past Dunn to move the home side into the lead. Singer gave the Lossie support more words of advice as he trotted back down the pitch, but went unspoken to by Locos resident referee.

Half time – Inverurie Locos 2 Lossiemouth 1

Locos kicked off the second half in search of the killer third goal, and Craig Ross had the first chances of the half. His scuffed shot from a dozen yards caused Dunn no problems, but Ross was back minutes later and caused more of a problem. Stuart McKay swung in a perfect ball to Ross, but his free header hit the base of the far post and bounced clear.

The home side got their third goal of the afternoon just before the hour, when Danny MILNE volleyed under Dunn to give Locos a two-goal lead. As we had seen Locos given a similar advantage the previous week, only for them to throw it away, the Lossie support remained optimistic. Unfortunately, Locos had learnt their lesson and started to shut the game down, limiting chances at goal for both sides.

Locos had the best of the few chances in the remainder of the game, but were wasteful. Goalscorer Park had time for a touch and a look at goal, but fluffed his shot past the post. As the game progressed, things became more physical, with Lossie earning a number of bookings, mostly through frustration.

Further disappointment was in store for Lossie just before the end, as local lad Steven Dixon was red-carded for an overly enthusiastic challenge on Stuart McKay. Thankfully, his suspension will rule him out of next seasons Qualifying Cup, and will not affect the Scottish Cup game in December.

Lossie can now get back to Highland League business, with Huntly and Darren Shalliker the next visitors to Grant Park, followed by away and home games against Keith. All three games represent a chance for Lossie to earn points and start to catch up with those higher up in the table.

Full time – Inverurie Locos 3 Lossiemouth 1