Gethins to the four as five-star Nairn crush Lossie
CONOR Gethins was the star of the show as Nairn County crushed hosts Lossiemouth 5-0 in the Highland League on Saturday.
The former Ross County and Peterhead forward bagged a whopping four goals to take his stunning season tally to 30 just a few days before Christmas.
The Irishman volleyed Nairn in front and twice came close to adding to this before half-time.
Two long-range free-kick crackers sealed his hat-trick in the second half to put Nairn 3-0 ahead and he notched his fourth with a close-range header.
Gary Kerr put the icing on the cake for Nairn, who remain in third place, just six points off top spot.
Les Fridge’s team are getting set for their derby double headers against in-form Forres Mechanics, at home this Saturday then away on January 4.
Brora Rangers lost their first home game of the season as Fraserburgh stunned the red-hot title favourites with a 1-0 win at Dudgeon Park, with the winner coming from Ryan Cowie.
The shock result meant Formartine United took over first place following their 2-0 victory at Keith.
Steve Paterson’s side, whose victory came thanks to goals from defender Stuart Smith and Mike Ewen, are three points ahead of Brora, although Davie Kirkwood’s side have two games in hand.
Clach were edged out 2-1 at Forres Mechanics in the Highland League at the weekend as the Can Cans made it eight wins in nine games.
Forres were made to battle all the way for their victory over Clach.
They took the lead on 29 minutes when former Lilies player Paul Smith teed up Kyle Scott, who headed past keeper Jamie Fraser.
Three minutes before half-time, Clach drew level when Sean Ellis nodded the ball into the net via the inside of the post.
However, they were only locked at 1-1 for less than a minute as Scott Lawrie steered an un stoppable winner into the net from fully 30 yards.
The Merkinchers, who have had a torrid time at the wrong end of the table and scuppered with injuries this season, host bottom side Fort William this Saturday before heading to Claggan Park one week later in the festive double-header.
Elsewhere, Inverurie Locos hit seven without reply against visitors Rothes, champions Cove Rangers crushed Buckie Thistle 4-1 and Wick Academy stumbled to a surprise 3-2 home defeat against Deveronvale.
Downpours at Claggan Park saw Fort William’s Highland League fixture at home to Huntly postponed on Saturday.
Fort, who only lost 3-2 against the Black and Golds earlier this season, were looking forward to getting the chance to aim for their second win of the campaign.
