Fort William went into the game the subject of a bizarre summer tale of US TV investment which, despite not being scheduled to arrive until next summer, saw their odds for the league championship shorten dramatically at one local bookmaker, mainly the result of folk who don't know what year it is. In reality, the visitors started the season relatively unchanged from the previous campaign, with former Lossie player Mudi Ewere the only transfer of interest.

Regardless, Fort William have caused Lossie problems in recent seasons and started this game in the mood to once again cause the Coasters untold grief. The game was less than ten minutes old when Danny Mackintosh created the opening chance, lashing a shot across the face of goal only for it to crash across the base of the far post and roll to safety.

The home side almost stole the lead on the back of a classy long ball move, which culminated in David Blackhall beating Fort keeper Richie Munro to the ball in the air on the edge of the box, but Mudi Ewere was on hand to scuff the ball to safety before it rolled across the line.

Stand in Lossie keeper Tim Brewin was seeing more of the ball than he'd have liked, as Fort regularly cut through the makeshift Lossie defence. A lapse in concentration from George Russell allowed Richard Finnis the chance to blaze a shot narrowly over the bar from distance. Shortly after, Brewin was on hand to stop a flashing header from Michael Milligan, and was on his feet in time to save the rebound from Michael Ellis.

When Lossie had possession, they were quick to exploit the pace of Sean McIntosh and Jamie Bagley, and it was the latter who set up the opening goal. Receiving the ball on the wing from McMullen, Bagley drove a low cross into a crowded penalty area and, despite a collection of Lossie players itching to bag the first goal of the league campaign, the unfortunate Mudi EWERE knocked the ball past his own goalkeeper.

Fort came close to squaring things before the break, but Richard Finnis placed his shot wide of a stationary Brewin to ensure Lossie headed in from the rain a goal to the good.

Half time – Lossiemouth 1 Fort William 0

The teams wasted no time in the search for more goals, with one from each side in the opening minutes of the second half. Fort got the goal they deserved when Richard FINNIS finally hit the target, leaving Brewin with no chance from twelve yards.

Lossie were far from unsteadied by the equaliser and immediately hit back, with Bagley setting up Sean MCINTOSH for a volley which was saved at the first attempt, but the youngster bundled the rebound over the line for his second Lossie goal.

Things were going Lossies way, with the two youngsters assisted by David Blackhall who was doing enough running for everyone, and the former Fochabers man had a hand in the third. 'Coco' raced onto a Bagley pass on the wing, fled past a tackle before his low cross set up Sean MCINTOSH with an easy finish into an open goal.

Lossie were playing with their tails up, and freshened up the attack by adding veteran Kyle Stewart, who almost scored with his first touch at the post, and shot narrowly wide from 18 yards soon after.

Time was running out for Fort to get back into the game, but there was enough time for one more, and Lossie extended their lead. Again Blackhall was involved, playing a perfect inswinging corner to Martin MCMULLAN for an easy header to round off the afternoon.

Lossie will ride high in the league for at least another week, as cup duty calls this coming weekend. Keith, and former Coaster Craig Morrison, visit Grant Park in the first round of the Challenge Cup, with the Maroons also off to a winning start after beating Brora Rangers on Saturday.

Full time – Lossiemouth 4 Fort William 1

Team