Clach fail in great escape bid

CLACH scored three goals at Fraserburgh on Saturday - but were gutted to crash 5-3 in the Highland League tussle at Bellslea Park.

The Lilywhites found themselves 4-0 down, but they responded with three quick-fire goals to set up a thrilling finish as they went for the great escape.

The Broch, however, grabbed the killer fifth through Graham Johnston.

Peter-Alexander Bruce shot the hosts ahead and further first half goals from Ryan Christie, Robert Morrice and Johnston looked to have finished off the Lilywhites.

However, Martin Callum pulled one back for Clach before the break and further goals from Scott Morrison and Gordon Morrison had Fraserburgh sweating until Johnston's second goal of the game, on 83 minutes, put the match beyond the visitors' reach.

There was also an entertaining contest at Station Park as a last-gasp David Watson goal earned Nairn a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

Martin Macdonald headed Nairn in front after just six minutes when he connected with Gregg Main’s free-kick.

Steve Paterson’s Formartine bounced back though and pulled level on 57 minutes when former Caley Jags captain Bobby Mann steering a free-kick into the net.

The visitors raised their game again and nudged 2-1 ahead when Mann scored from the penalty spot after Glenn Main had brought down Stuart Soane in the box.

Nairn, however, seen by many as potential title-chasers this season, earned a point at the death through David Watson's cracking 20-yard strike.

Champions Buckie Thistle moved to the top of the table as they cruised to a 6-0 victory at Fort William.

Paul Napier's double within 15 minutes had the Jags in control at Claggan Park and Lewis MacKinnon made it 3-0 by half-time.

Second half goals from David MacRae, Zander Sutherland and Andy Low saw Fort slide to the bottom of the table after conceding 18 goals in their opening four games.

Deveronvale were also in fine scoring form when they hit five without reply against visitors Brora, while Turriff United shared four goals at home to Cove Rangers.

North of Scotland Cup holders and finalists Forres Mechanics are just two points behind the leaders thanks to their 2-0 victory at Inverurie Locos, while Huntly returned to winning ways with a 2-1 success at Lossiemouth.

Elsewhere, Keith were made to work for their 3-2 win at Strathspey Thistle and Rothes moved on to 10 points thanks to their 2-1 victory against visitors Wick Academy.