Lossie travelled to Banff this weekend for a close encounter with the reigning champions Deveronvale, and it turned out to be much closer than one would have expected prior to the game. Deveronvale went two goals up very early on, relaxed and allowed Lossie to draw level, before the home side cruised ahead as the game drew to a close.

The opening minute gave the crowd an indication of how things were going to pan out, when McConnachie was forced to palm a header from Lossie fan favourite Ian Murray in the first minute. The resulting corner was headed goalward by Chisholm who saw his effort strike the post before Murray put the rebound wide.

The opener was not long in coming. Michael Ewen and Scott Fraser combined well in front of goal to allow MCWILLIAM time and space to shoot, and he did so, leaving McConnachie no chance.

The home side went two ahead in the eighth minute through Ian MURRAY, who continues to haunt Lossie in games between the sides and beyond. Ross McWilliam turned provider and laid a perfect pass to the feet of Molby who made no mistake from a few yards.

At this point the worst was feared. Recent years have seen Lossie ship 8 goals on three occasions, one of which was by the Banff side. Double figures was on the cards, but Lossie decided to play a bit and had some success through Muir and Kyle Stewart down the wings, the former having the sides best chance of the half when he curled a shot wide.

Half time – Deveronvale 2 Lossiemouth 0

Whatever Tommy Madden put in the tea at the interval had the desired effect as Lossie came out for the second half a vastly improved side, and instantly pulled one back. Kyle Stewart played a ball across the field to a wide open David MUIR who took his time and rifled a fine volley past Alexander, the strike hitting the inside of the post for good measure. Well, after waiting this long for the first goal of the season, it was always going to be a beezer, no?

The visitors continued to push on and had an effort cleared off the line shortly after, and Vale looked very different from the side in the opening stages. Several slack passes were finding their way to the feet of Lossie players, giving the game a more even balance than before.

Lossie then shocked the footballing world when they equalised with sixteen minutes to go. Lossie broke down a Vale attack on the half way line and Ellis played the ball forward and wide to MUIR who beat Alexander from eight yards with a fine finish for his second of the day.

With a draw against Lossie no use to man, beast or Deveronvale, the home side upped a gear to find a winner, and with seven minutes remaining found a third goal. Ian Murray set up Paul URQUHART to finish from close range and sour the mood of the travelling support.

With Lossie now wobbling, Vale took advantage and it was game over a minute later when MURRAY grabbed his second of the afternoon with a header from six yards.

Full time – Deveronvale 4 Lossiemouth 2

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