July 15th 2024
THE under-20s had a good runout against an Elgin City XI at Aberlour this afternoon with the home side edging a competitive friendly by three goals to two. Stuart Finnie handed a first under-20s start to Euan Wheeler from the under-17s squad with his under-17s team mate, Ian Payne retaining his place in the team after an impressive showing against Tain St Duthus last time out. Their under-17s team mates Joe Cuthbert, Craig McDermott and Jack Maclean were included among the substitutes with the latter two making their under-20s debuts and the former getting another appearance at this level under his belt. Club captain Wayne Mackintosh was also handed a start having missed the last two first team games while Paul Macleod was included as well having been suspended for yesterday's game at Strathspey Thistle. The visitors made a blistering start with a goal inside a minute. Calum Grant passed the ball inside from the left and Ryan MacBean latched on to it before sending an arrowing effort sailing over the goalkeeper with the aid of a deflection. Elgin found a leveller on 14 minutes and took confidence from it to dominate for a spell. But Nairn found their feet again and on 31 minutes, a good passing move down the right involving Matty Macleod, Payne and Mackintosh led to the ball being worked to Sam Gordon at the far post but he blasted into the side netting. The home side went in front on the brink of half time and then put daylight between the sides with another goal 10 minutes after half time. County pulled a goal back on 73 minutes with Wayne Mackintosh lashing home from 25 yards and despite pushing for another one to draw level, the visitors ran out of time but will have taken a lot from the run out. Nairn County – Wilkie, Payne (Colliar 69), Wheeler (Millard 63), P. Macleod, Barton (McDermott 53), Mackintosh, Fraser, Grant (Maclean 46), MacBean (Alexander 61), M. Macleod (Gordon 69), Gordon (Cuthbert 55). Subs unused: Graeme Macleod
