Lossiemouth recorded a solid 1-1 draw at home this weekend with a fine comeback against Nairn County. The visitors lead at the interval thanks to former Lossie man Darren Shalliker, but the Coaster levelled with ten minutes remaining thanks to a fine strike from Gavin Middleton, to ensure Lossie made it through three home games unbeaten in a row.

Cold conditions and grey skies met the teams, and the howling wind from the previous weekend at Inverurie appeared to have followed Lossie home, making things difficult for all concerned. Occasional rain hampered matters further, and both sets of players and supporters were to be in for a long afternoon.

Early chances for Lossie came from Middleton, whose long distance shot was spilled by Campbell in the Nairn goal only for him to recover quickly, and soon after Rattray headed just over a curling cross from Watson.

The visitors, with the wind at their backs, were creating plenty chances of there own. The Lossie defence, now confident to let teams attack, kept Shalliker at bay as he first set up Willie Barron to strike at goal, and soon after Shally had the Lossie goalkeeper busy again, forcing McConnachie into a fine one handed save at the top corner. Unfortunately for Lossie, Mini landed awkwardly on his knee and required lengthy treatment.

Despite the injury, McConnachie was still saving everything thrown at him, the finest stop coming at his near post from a Duncan Jones header.

Half time – Lossiemouth 0 Nairn County 1

The weather deteriorated further as the second half got under way, with driving rain and freezing temperatures making for a miserable atmosphere at Grant Park. The sight of McConnachie trotting out of the dressing rooms with his knee heavily bandaged did nothing to lift the spirits of the home support.

Nairn almost doubled their lead midway through the half when Willie Barron saw McConnachie off his line and sent a curling shot high towards goal. Despite a lack of mobility, Mini rose well to catch the ball on the line.

Lossie thought they had equalised soon after when Morrison charged down a Campbell clearance and ran on to tuck the ball home, but the linesman immediately put his flag up for an alleged handball, much to the disappointment of Mo.

Both sides went on to miss clear-cut chances as the game opened up. Morrison was first for Lossie as he drilled a shot wide after being played clean through by Watson, and moments later Barron managed to miss from even closer, deflecting a free kick over the bar from only a few yards. 

Lossie finally drew level with ten minutes remaining, and it was worth the wait in the grim conditions. Lossie earned a free kick on the edge of the County area and, after a few less than spectacular efforts earlier, Gavin MIDDLETON stepped to curl home a beauty which had the Nairn goalkeeper all over the place. A deserved goal, given the one disallowed earlier for very little. 

Full time – Lossiemouth 1 Nairn County 1

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