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Locos secured all three points from an entertaining first encounter with Breedon Highland League newcomers Invergordon. Daniel Agnew capped a fine move to score the only goal of the game and extend Locos’ unbeaten league run. The Railwaymen ended the game with young Harry Brudenell in goal, having replaced Blessing Oluyemi who had taken a blow to head.
Locos welcomed back Ethan Cairns, Cole Donaldson and Nathan Meres, while Cole Anderson was out. Brudenell was named on the bench with Zack ellis suffering from illness on top of the injury that had prevented him from starting Saturday’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup tie. Cairns had the first opportunity of the game inside the opening five minutes. Beating a defender to the ball, he drove towards the penalty area but goalkeeper Jayden Reid reacted well to save the shot at the edge of his box. Oluyemi made a routine save from James Ross before Cairns forced another fine stop from Reid.
Locos were playing some good football, often just lacking the final pass. That changed in the 38th minute. Cairns picked the ball up in his own half and found Paul Campbell. He carried the ball across the pitch before picking out Oliver Green who squared for Agnew to sweep home. The visitors almost hit back immediately when Oluyemi’s pass was cut out by Copeland Thain. The keeper redeemed himself though, with an excellent save at the near post. Reid then got down well to repel an Agnew effort before the break.
Despite the slender lead, it felt comfortable for Locos but the tension increased around Harlaw Park when Brudenell was thrust into the action following Oluyemi’s collision with Torran Lambie. Having conceded a number of late goals of late, there was a feeling that the young goalkeeper would come under pressure. He was well protected though, and for all the visitors’ efforts, it was Locos who came closest to adding to the score. Callum Duncan couldn’t get enough power on his left footed shot to beat Reid but the best chance fell to top scorer Cairns who smashed an effort off the crossbar from six yards having been found by Agnew.
This was a competitive match but Locos merited the victory. Dean Donaldson will be pleased with the pace and movement shown in attack, while Gary Campbell of Invergordon will rue his side’s lack of cutting edge. Locos are back at Harlaw Park on Saturday when Formartine United are the visitors.
