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Jay Halliday’s first half goal was enough to secure Locos all three points in their final home game of the season. The Railwaymen could have added to the scoreline but Clachnacuddin kept themselves in the game and were able to apply some late pressure.
After victory in the reverse fixture in Inverness in midweek, Dean Donaldson made just one change with Cole Anderson coming in for Lloyd Robertson. As on Wednesday evening, Zack Ellis was the first of the goalkeepers to be called into action, keeping out a Lewis Mackenzie strike. Opposite number Michael Miele then saved from Logan Johnstone before Locos were forced into an early change. As Sam Robertson raced onto a forward ball from Greg Mitchell, he collided with the onrushing keeper and appeared to be nursing a shoulder injury as he left the field a few minutes later. Locos felt there was an argument for a penalty but the incident did provide an opportunity for Ashley Armstrong to get involved in her final game in the dugout after 14 years as the club’s physio. Robertson’s replacement Nathan Meres brought a good save from Miele with his first involvement.
Mackenzie and Anderson fired narrowly off target at each end before Halliday broke the deadlock on 34 minutes, getting on the end of a Meres cross from the right to nod home from within the six yard box. It was no more than Locos deserved and they continued to pose a threat. Halliday and Meres both put efforts wide before the break.
Mackenzie tested Ellis again early in the second half but the chances then began to dry up with the final ball often lacking accuracy. With 10 minutes remaining, Donaldson handed debuts to youngsters Kyle Simpson and Kacper Bednarowski. The latter did well to create a chance for himself but couldn’t beat Miele.
With the clock running down, Clach pushed bodies forward in search of an equaliser but Locos stood firm to record a second victory over the Lilywhites in four days.
This wasn’t the most exciting game we’ve seen at Harlaw Park this season but Locos will be delighted to sign off with three points in front of their own fans. There’s just one Highland League fixture remaining as Locos make the short journey to face Formartine United on Wednesday evening before ending the season with the Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup Final against Buckie Thistle the following Tuesday at Kynoch Park.
