
NAIRN County's North of Scotland Cup campaign came to a disappointing end following a penalty shootout defeat to local rivals Forres Mechanics in round 1. After an uninspiring 0-0 draw at Station Park, it was the visitors who prevailed in the shootout to progress to the quarter finals. Chances were at a premium at both ends – Callum Donaldson had to look lively to touch Andrew Fraser's angled drive over the crossbar before a Conor Gethins strike was beaten away by Forres stopper Mark Bowden. In the second half, Robbie Duncanson drilled a low effort past the post before Gethins was again denied by Bowden. The tie went straight to penalty kicks and misses from Michael Morrison and Alan Pollock condemned Nairn to an early exit with Forres winning the shootout 4-2. County kick off their Highland League campaign this Saturday when they welcome Formartine United to Station Park. Kick off is at 3.00 pm. Graeme Macleod