Scott Matheson and Shawn Scott were missing from the Lossie squad due to a virus and hamstring trouble respectively, but Martin McMullen played his last game before returning offshore. Rothes' squad featured former Coasters Steve Dunn and Steven Sim, with the Speysiders under the management of former Lossie chief Rab Mulheron.

A stiff wind met the teams as they trotted out onto what barely passed for a pitch. The playing surface looked like it had been recently cleared of pigs, with wellies the recommended footwear for the afternoon.

As a result of the conditions underfoot, the opening stages of the game were scrappy as both sides tried to retain possession on the rutted turf. The hosts created the earliest chances, with Kris Duncan shooting wide before Richard Forsyth did likewise.

Lossie, playing uphill in the first half onto the worst of the pitch, were pressing through Michael Smith and Jamie Bagley. The former created the visitors first chance at goal, but his cross low into the box counldn't find someone in a position to shoot. Bagley fired wide from outside the area, and hit the wall with a free kick from the same distance.

Rothes took the lead half an hour into the game. Darren McConnachie failed to hold a powerful shot from close range, and Kris DUNCAN appeared to knock home the rebound.

Lossie took the goal in their stride and levelled minutes before half time. From the centre of the park, Jamie Bagley passed out wide to Michael SMITH, who cut back inside, drove into the box and squeezed the ball inside the near post.

Half time – Rothes 1 Lossiemouth 1

Both teams saw an opportunity for all three points and started the second half with more gusto than displayed in the opening period. Rothes were first to look for a second goal, with Kevin Shortreed heading wide, and goalscorer Duncan forcing McConnachie into a save. Lossie replied in kind, with McMullen shooting wide.

 
The visitors were more clinical with their chances and went ahead three minutes into the half. Amid static defending and pleas for offside waved away by the Morag Pirie, Jamie BAGLEY sprinted clear on goal before slotting the ball past Dunn. The linesman appeared to have his flag up during the move, but was overruled by Pirie, to the dismay of the home side.

Lossie were in the ascendancy and flowing down the slope at some speed, led by Bagley and Smith. With Rothes becoming frustrated at going behind, Lossie looked to seal all three points with a third goal, Martin McMullan coming closest when his hit the post. 

With half an hour left, Lossie made sure of the win. Michael SMITH found himself with only the keeper to beat and shot low into the corner of the goal, giving Dunn no chance. 

As the game drew to a close, there was time for frustration in the Rothes camp to boil over. Michael Dunn, already on a yellow card for an earlier foul, got involved in a shoving match in the box with the Lossie goalkeeper before receiving his second booking of the afternoon, and second dismissal of the season against Lossie. 

Full time – Rothes 1 Lossiemouth 3

Team