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Ethan Cairns’ hat-trick secured Locos first point of the fledgling season as fans at Harlaw Park were treated to a thrilling game against Forres Mechanics. After Cairns early opener, The Railwaymen twice found themselves behind in a contest that could have yielded even more goals.
Dean Donaldson made two changes to the side that started at Buckie Thistle last week, with Zack Ellis and Taylor Chapman coming in. Locos started brightly and took the lead in the 5th minute. Lloyd Robertson sent a low ball across the penalty area from the right and Cairns was on hand to finish from six yards. Locos continued to make the early running, with Cairns in particular causing the visiting defence all sorts of problems. Paul Campbell had a strong shout for a penalty as he appeared to be tripped while looking to finish off another good move. The referee was unmoved though, and The Can Cans broke down the left before Lewis Mackenzie’s deflected shot beat Ellis.
Back in the game, Forres began to see more of the ball in the attacking third and took the lead when a dangerous corner from the left crept inside the post, the final touch deemed to have been made by Chapman. The game was really open and it felt like there could be a goal each time one of the teams attacked. Locos were the ones to get it when Cole Anderson picked up the ball in the penalty area at the end of another flowing move. He showed great poise to pick out Cairns who lashed home. Cairns almost had his hat-trick before half time, driving forward before taking aim from 20 yards. Sean McCarty in the visitors’ goal was equal to it though, tipping the effort over the bar.
The game continued in much the same vein after the break, with perhaps the only surprise being that the next goal didn’t arrive until 17 minutes from the final whistle. Both teams had created chances but Forres edged back in front when substitute Kenzie Harkness was afforded time and space in the box to stroke home. Locos wobbled a little after the setback but recovered and probed for an equaliser. When it came six minutes from time, it was no surprise once again it was Cairns’ left boot that provided it. Clarke Whyte, introduced at half time to make his competitive debut, showed strength that belied his young age to get to the byline and pull back for Cairns to claim the match ball.
Neither team looked content to settle for a point. Locos hemmed Forres in but were unable to test McCarthy. The best chance of a winner fell to the visitors as Calum Frame was sent through on goal. He was thwarted by a combination of goalkeeper and defender, with the Can Cans adamant they should have been awarded a penalty. The final piece of drama came in added time when Blair Smith did exceptionally well to get a toe to a goalbound effort with Ellis beaten.
This was an entertaining game from start to finish, but not one for fans of defensive football. Donaldson was delighted with some of the attacking play from his team but feels it is currently to easy to score against Locos. “I thought we played some unbelievable football at times” the Manager said. “Being brave on the ball, trying to play the proper way. It’s just the manner of the goals that we concede” he continued. The goals that we’ve lost have been criminal lately but the forward play has been exceptional.” He will be hoping to see improvements in defending when Locos travel to Banks o’ Dee in midweek.
