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Locos made it six wins from nine Highland League fixtures in 2024 with a narrow victory over Forres Mechanics at Harlaw Park. In a game of few clear chances, Lloyd Robertson’s low drive from the edge of the penalty area was enough to secure victory against the Can Cans who were reduced to 10 men after just 15 minutes.
Locos had announced the signing of Aidan Wilson from Rothes before kick off and he took his place on the bench while former Harlaw Park stalwart Jamie Michie lined up in midfield for the visitors.
The game started in cagey fashion. Zack Ellis had made a routine save from Shaun Morrison shortly before the major talking point of the first half when Morrison was dismissed. The Forres striker felt he had been fouled and when the free kick wasn’t awarded he directed a comment towards the referee which prompted an immediate red card.
Locos began to dominate possession but, other than a Calum Dingwall shot that was narrowly off target, couldn’t trouble Forres keeper Lee Herbert. Ellis was equally untroubled at the other end but Forres were able to muster some dangerous counter attacks despite their reduced numbers.
Locos upped their intensity after the break and were rewarded eight minutes into the second half. A free kick on the right was played short to Nathan Meres who worked the ball to Jay Halliday in the penalty area. He then teed up Robertson who finished first time into the bottom left corner.
There was a sense that, with the deadlock broken, more goals might follow but the visitors continued to defend well and protect their goalkeeper as Locos looked for an opening. Herbert was called upon twice in the closing stages to deny Wilson a debut goal having come off the bench.
Locos will be delighted to earn another win – and a third consecutive clean sheet – but there will be frustration that they were unable press home their numerical advantage to record a more comfortable victory. The visitors were well organised after Morrison’s dismissal and maintained enough of an attacking threat to ensure the game was in the balance right up to the final whistle.
Formartine United are the visitors on Wednesday evening for the rearranged Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup tie before we welcome Lossiemouth next Saturday.
