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Locos recorded a third straight victory as Josh Robb scored his first goal for the club in stoppage time, adding to Daniel Agnew’s early opener. The two goals came more then 90 minutes apart and both teams had chances to score in between as this absorbing game was in the balance until Robb’s late strike.
Dean Donaldson named the same team that had beaten Banks o’ Dee last week as The Railwaymen looked to keep their good form going. The hosts had come out on top from a tight game at Harlaw Park earlier in the month, and it was no surprise that this was another well contested affair. Locos couldn’t have got off to a better start, opening the scoring in the second minute. Agnew’s strike from 15 yards found the net via the crossbar goalkeeper Lewis Munro, who was ultimately credited with an own goal.
After the opener, Locos crafted good chances but were unable to find the finishing touch. Robert Ward and Jay Halliday couldn’t get their shots away, while Jack McKenzie put an effort too close to Munro when well placed. At the other end, Thistle had several shots from outside the penalty area but Blessing Oluyemi was equal to them.
The second half continued in much the same vein, and Locos had a wonderful opportunity to double their lead 5 minutes after the break. Halliday’s low shot wasn’t held by Munro but McKenzie couldn’t keep his effort down as he stretched to finish off the rebound. Strathspey looked to capitalise on that let off, getting numbers forward at every opportunity, but the Locos backline held firm. Locos were still creating opportunities at the other end. Nobody could quite get the touch that would have turned Ward’s ball across the box into the net, and a similar ball from Agnew nearly crept inside the far post.
As the game went on, the home side threw more at Locos as they tried to get back on level terms but Oluyemi was well protected by his defence and Locos continued to pose a threat at the other end. In the closing moments, Cairns did excellently by the corner flag before carrying the ball along the by line and cutting back for Robb, who turned and smashed home.
There was little in this game, but Locos proved more clinical when it mattered – not something that has been said often this season – and Donaldson will be delighted with the way his players approached this tricky fixture, in difficult conditions; the blue skies and sunshine belied a bitter, swirling wind that also brought snow during the second half.
Locos are on their travels again next week, as they face Buckie Thistle at Victoria Park.
