Disappointing afternoon for Jags as they slump to 6-1 defeat against Forres
Much was expected from the Jags when they entertained Forres Mechanics on league duty at Seafield Park yesterday.
The optimism following an impressive second half performance against Wick Academy, at Harmsworth Park, days earlier in a 2-1 loss.
Strathspey lined up with the same 11 that had battled admirably against the Scorries with on loan Linlithgow Rose striker Aaron Nicolson making his home debut again leading the line.
Much has been recorded about the conceding of early goals this season, and that trend continued on Saturday against the Can Cans.
The visitors raced into a 2-0 lead, inside the opening 15 minutes with goals from Jack Grant and Taylor Lee Thain.
Forres made the breakthrough after just 12 minutes when Grant was upended on the edge of the Thistle penalty area.
The same player swept home the opener with a free kick from fully 20 yards.
They doubled their lead within two minutes, when Tommy Brady weaved his way down the left flank, and his cross to the edge of the box was superbly despatched into the back of the net with a well struck 18 yard effort that left Ethan Rae helpless.
The home side countered with some neat build up play ending with Juan Cardona Cuellar crossing for Aaron Nicolson to go close with a well placed header.
Midway through the opening period Jordan Laidlaw sustained a leg injury and was replaced by Gordon MacNab as the home side looked to reduce the leeway.
The visitors third arrived on 26 minutes, when a lightning break down the right flank by Shaun Sutherland saw the full back’s cross evade Rae, and the unfortunate James McShane in attempting to clear the danger knocked the ball into his own net.
On the half hour, some neat play down the right from Lewis Mackie saw him evade Mark McLauchlan and cross for Aaron Nicolson to fire past the near post.
Two minutes later, it was 4-0, Ethan Rae brilliantly pushed an effort round the post at full stretch, however, from the resultant corner Kyle Macleod headed the fourth at the far post.
As the first period ended the visitors went in at the interval netting two further efforts in the final two minutes.
On the stroke of half-time full back Cameron Lisle was adjudged to have halted Matt Jamieson’s progress – with referee Ross, pointing immediately to the penalty spot.
The midfielder made no mistake converting the fifth from the resultant spot kick. Kyle Macleod added his second of the match in injury time to round of a thoroughly miserable first half for the home side.
In contrast, the second period saw the home side come more into the game and the Jags should have reduced the arrears 10 minutes after the re-start.
Substitute Dylan Lawrence and Aaron Nicolson combined to open up the visitors defence – and only a well-timed tackle from Sam Nixon denied the latter from reducing the deficit.
However, the home side were not to be denied, and five minutes later they reduced the leeway when Nicolson burst his way into the box, and from his cut back, Dylan Lawrence beat the advancing Farquhar with a strike from 12 yards.
By now the home side continued to press in an effort to further reduce the visitors lead.
Nine minutes from time Juan Cardoba Cuellar brought a fine save from Farquhar following a cross from Nicolson.
Two minutes later, they almost did, when a snap shot from Gordon MacNab fully 20 yards from goal had the keeper looking on anxiously as the home side looked to finish with a flourish.
Then just when you think things could not get any worse – they did – with the match well into injury time Nairn County loanee Tyler Eadie was sent packing by referee Ross for a second bookable offence to bring to an end a very uncomfortable afternoon for the Jags.
Next up for Strathspey Thistle is a trip to Princess Royal Park, Banff, to meet Deveronvale on League business in an effort to get the first points of the season on the board.
They are likely to be without the services of Liam Shewan, Connor MacPhee, Alan Kerr through injury together with Tyler Eadie through suspension.
Strathspey Thistle: Ethan Rae, Cameron Lisle, Juan Cardona Cuellar, Jamie Calder (Alistair Nixon) Jordan Laidlaw (Gordon MacNab) James McShane, Tyler Eadie, James Fraser (Caelan Mutch) Aaron Nicolson, Josh Race, Lewis Mackie (Dylan Lawrence)
Subs not used: Kit Fletcher (GK) Kieran Duffty, Scott Docherty, Doeimassei Doguie, Campbell MacDonald
Match Referee: Alex Ross.
