04-Sep-2009

Lossiemouth lost to Fraserburgh for the first time in five years at a sodden Grant Park, the Brochers scoring three unanswered first half goals to have the game in the bag by the interval. A dismissal for the visitors and a consolation penalty from Steven Sim almost made the last third of the game a contest, but Fraserburgh held on for all three points.

Lossiemouth went into the game without Shawn Scott, who remains suspended following his outburst against Clach. Nikki Smith and Martin McMullen were both absent, but Kevin Flett returned to the side.

Horrendous levels of rain across the Moray area left the roads around Lossie under water and had the game in doubt early in the morning due to concerns over Fraserburghs ability to travel. The weather eased during the day, and the teams took to a soggy but playable pitch on time.

Lossie made a better start to the game than they did at Christie Park the previous weekend. The Coasters were more involved in the game, even if the Broch were having the better of it. Both sides had early chances to take the lead but the conditions made life difficult for everyone.

Just before the half hour, Fraserburgh took the lead. A cross from Graham Johnston was met by the head of Jonathan GARDEN and, although initially saved by McConnachie, Garden was on hand to put away the rebound.

Four minutes later and it was game over. There was no disputing the third goal, as Robert MORRICE lashed the ball home from a dozen yards, almost putting the ball through the net.

Sean McIntosh was on target to pull a goal back minutes before the interval but found himself hauled down on the edge of the area by Neil Main. With McIntosh about to strike at goal, referee Beaton saw no option but to show Main the red card, a decision hotly argued by the usually calm and collected Fraserburgh manager Charlie Duncan. The resulting free kick was wasted, and the players retreated to the dressing rooms for a brief respite from the rain.

Half time – Lossiemouth 0 Fraserburgh 3

As in the second half at Christie Park, Lossie found themselves as good as out of the game but up against opponents who afforded their hosts a bit more space to play football. Lossie were unable to take advantage of the numerical advantage, however, and came close to falling further behind. From more than thirty yards out, Graham Johnston rifled a free kick in on goal, catching McConnachie by surprise and the keeper could only watch as the ball rattled against the crossbar before Russell McBride put the rebound over the bar. 

With a quarter of the game to go, Lossie were handed a route back into things. Former Elgin City player Russell McBride gave Charlie Duncan something else to moan about by conceding a penalty for handball, and Steven SIM hammered the ball down the middle to make the remainder of the game a little more interesting.

With the Broch content with their lot, it was left up to Lossie to try and get a second to set up a grandstand finish, but there were to be no more goals as the rain continued to fall. Lossie now face a tricky visit to Keith on Saturday, while Fraserburgh host Deveronvale.

Full time – Lossiemouth 1 Fraserburgh 3

Teams

Lossiemouth - Darren McConnachie; Steven Sim, Sam Milton, Craig Donaldson, John Urquhart, Dan Smith, Tony Ross, Michael Smith, Sean McIntosh, Michael Macgregor, Kevin Flett
Fraserburgh - Paul Leask; Jamie Ralph, Russell McBride, Bryan Hay, Jonathan Garden, Neil Main, Jamie Beagrie, William West, Robert Morrice, Graham Johnston, Steven Main

Lossiemouth - Gary McNichol (Tony Ross, 46), Jordan Main (Sam Milton, 62), Scott Stuart (Michael Macgregor, 81)
Fraserburgh - Alan Hale (Graham Johnston, 81), Michael Stephen (Steven Main, 90)

Lossiemouth - None
Fraserburgh - Neil Main (43)