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Steven Mackay proved to be
the key man for Nairn County as the holders progressed to the semi finals
of the NuTel North of Scotland Cup where they will face Rothes at Station
Park for a place in next month's final. The former Elgin City wide man
produced both goals and a man of the match performance to inspire Les
Fridge's side to a 2-0 victory over Lossiemouth at Grant Park.
The visitors threatened on 18 minutes when a one-two between Brian Macleod
and Shaun Kerr saw the former presented with a shooting chance but his
drive dipped over Darren McConnachie's crossbar.
A lovely ball from Nikki Smith presented Kevin Flett with the best chance
of the first half but from an unmarked position, he missed the ball
completely when he really should have put the hosts a goal up.
A good passing move from Nairn on the half-hour mark saw the ball played
back to Wayne Mackintosh but his 25 yard shot was straight at McConnachie.
A surging run from Shawn Scott had the Nairn defence backing off but his
shot was tame and easily held by Callum Donaldson.
Then some nice flowing football by the visitors saw the ball land at the
feet of Craig Campbell who had a good shooting chance but was flagged
offside.
A long range Sam Milton shot was the home side's next effort on goal but
his 41st minute strike was straight at Donaldson.
The Nairn forwards were being well-marshalled by the Lossie defence and
the visitors turned to the long ball in order to try and unlock the hosts
resolute backline. It nearly paid off two minutes before the break when
Mackay's raking pass found Campbell who had evaded the offside trap. But
the former Elgin man's first time shot was well saved by McConnachie.
County were now pushing for a half time lead and Shaun Kerr saw his shot
on the turn held by McConnachie on the stroke of half time.
Half time –
Lossiemouth 0 Nairn County 0
Macleod nearly set up Kerr for
the opening goal early on in the second half when the Nairn striker headed
goalwards from a cross but his effort was well held by the goalkeeper.
Nikki Smith almost put the home side in front when he drilled a low shot
goalwards on 56 minutes. It looked destined for the net but was deflected
behind for a corner kick to the dismay of the home fans.
Mackintosh again tried his luck from range for the visitors but his effort
was deflected wide.
A long range effort from Tony Low on 65 minutes almost caught McConnachie
out but the shot stopper did well to track back and touch the ball over
the top from under the crossbar.
On 72 minutes, a shot by Kerr bounced off McConnachie and it appeared as
if Campbell was fouled while going for the rebound but the referee turned
away the Nairn appeals.
County made the breakthrough with 15 minutes on the clock when Steven
MACKAY did what he does best from a set piece. The former Elgin
City forward's free kick bounced in front of McConnachie before flying
high into the net to the delight of the travelling support.
The visitors had their second five minutes later when Campbell's cross was
smashed home on the volley by Steven MACKAY as he netted
his fourth goal of this season's competition to put him level with Wick's
David Allan at the top of the scoring charts for the NuTel North of
Scotland Cup.
Full time – Lossiemouth
0 Nairn County 2 |
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Teams |
Lossiemouth - Darren
McConnachie; Steven Sim, Jordan Main, John Urquhart, Sam Milton, Craig
Donaldson, Tony Ross, Dan Smith, Shawn Scott, Nikki Smith, Kevin Flett
Nairn County - Callum
Donaldson; David Hind, Martin MacDonald, Wayne Mackintosh, Craig Campbell,
Shaun Kerr, Steven Mackay, Brian Macleod, Tony Low, Glenn Main, Billy
Horne |
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Subs
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Lossiemouth - Gary
McNichol (Nikki Smith, 70), Sean McIntosh (Kevin Flett, 79), Michael Smith
(Jordan Main, 84)
Nairn County - Willie Barron
(Craig Campbell, 84), Gregg Main (Tony Low, 89) |