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Ethan Cairns’ hat-trick helped Locos to a big win against Rothes at Mackessack Park. There was also a first Locos goal for Harris Clubb, alongside strikes from Lloyd Robertson and Robert Ward. Two goals for the hosts in as many minutes in the second half was the only disappointment on an otherwise excellent evening.
Max Foster was the only change from victory against Lossiemouth in the last game, replacing Josh Buchan who picked up a knock in that match.
There had been little incident of note before Robertson opened the scoring in the ninth minute, firing a low drive in off the post. Cairns went close with a header before Locos thought they would have a chance to double their lead from the penalty spot when Jay Halliday was brought down. To everyone’s amazement, however, the referee award a free kick to the home side and booked Halliday for simulation.
Locos were dominating and Daniel Agnew was next to threaten, curling a left footed effort just off target. The second goal did arrive when Cairns fired a crisp drive across the goal and inside the far post. Just 4 minutes later he had his second, finishing from close range after the ball cannoned around the box.
Locos smelled blood and went looking for more. They had to wait until after the break though, and after Stewart Black had saved brilliantly from Agnew and Josh Bolton had clipped the top of the bar, Cairns bagged the match ball with another close range finish.
Ward got on the score sheet with 16 minutes remaining, tapping home substitute Callum Duncan’s cross from the right. With the game long since out of reach, the Speysiders hit two quick goals. Tom Brady got their first with a low drive from outside the penalty area. The second is one that Blessing Oluyemi will want to forget as he was beaten by the swerve on a Rory Williamson free kick.
In the closing moments, a corner from the right was headed back across goal by Max Foster for Clubb to hit a volley that Black couldn’t keep out.
Despite the Speysiders’ league position, this was a potential banana skin for Locos but from the moment Robertson hit the net they didn’t look back. Dean Donaldson will be frustrated by the goals conced but delighted with the attacking fluency shown by his team.
Locos are unbeaten in 2026 and will be looking to keep that momentum going when Strathspey Thistle visit Harlaw Park on Saturday.
