Lossie fell at the first hurdle in the Fosters Highland League Cup, succumbing to Buckie Thistle in a close game at Grant Park. The home side held a one goal lead at the interval courtesy of Craig Morrisons penalty and Craig Mastertons save from Donnie Munros penalty as the half expired, but Buckie fought back to score twice in the second half to progress.

The game started as expected with Buckie attacking and Lossie defending. Craig Masterton knew early on he was to be in for a busy afternoon as he was forced into fine early saves from Ritchie Davidson and Stephen Bruce. Lossie were defending well and restricting Buckie to shots from distance which Masterton dealt superbly with. As the Jags continued to press and inch ever closer to the Lossie goal, Mackinnon came closest so far to opening the scoring but headed a Bruce cross over from a few yards out.

Lossie then stunned the visitors by putting the ball in the net. An indirect free kick from Morrison curled out then in and beat Kevin Main at his far post, with the keeper getting his hand to the ball on its way in. At least, everyone in the ground thought he had, except the referee, who disallowed the effort much to the surprise of everyone in the ground.

Buckie didn’t take the threat lightly and continued to push for the opener, but were wasteful with the chances they had. Donnie Munro was most culpable, heading over a cross from Bruce when scoring looked easier.

The wasted chances were to cost the visitors when Lossie went ahead five minutes from the interval. Eager to make amends for his ridiculous decision earlier, Watt whistled sharply for a soft push on Rattray by Jamie Shewan, and awarded Lossie a penalty. Craig MORRISON stepped up and blasted home the opener.

Half time – Lossiemouth 1 Buckie Thistle 0

The second half started in physical style as Michael Grant caught Kevin Stuart with an elbow minutes in, and Lossie were left under no illusions as to the rocket Duncan Shearer had put under Buckie at half time. Stephen Bruce was a particular thorn in the side of Lossie, but Masterton was equal to everything thrown at him and kept Lossie ahead. Coutts then let fly with a half volley from thirty yards which stung the palms of the young keeper as he kept it out.

The visitors grabbed the goal they deserved just after the hour, and after all the careful defending from Lossie it was heartbreaking to concede one so cheaply. Ritchie Davidson curled a free kick into the box and Jamie SHEWAN was there to head home under Masterton for a simple equaliser.

Buckie continued to dominate the game, but Lossie kept things solid at the back, with only a long-range effort from Coutts getting through, once again to the safe hands of Masterton. 

Eventually, the pressure told, but again it was a soft goal to lose, and almost identical to the first. Another Davidson free kick was lofted into the box and former Forres Mechanic Lewis MACKINNON headed home the winner with eight minutes left.

And that was that. Lossie continue to make strides in the right direction, but cannot escape the curse of a league full of referees who appear to have had a bad holiday at Silver Sands. With Kevin Stuart, Steven Dixon and Craig Masterton playing out of their skin at the back and Craig Morrison returning to scoring form, a win is surely on the cards soon. Even a draw against Fraserburgh this weekend would continue the Coasters rehabilitation, but can Lossie really make it four games without defeat to the Broch, this time at Fortress Bellslea?

Full time – Lossiemouth 1 Buckie Thistle 2

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