November 20th 2023
A HOME draw with Premiership opposition will have left Nairn County manager Les Fridge satisfied with the way his side rounded off their pre-season preparations as the build up to the 2014/15 Highland League campaign concluded with this match against Ross County, writes Graeme Macleod. Fridge again opted to have a look at some trialists, field a total of four during the 90 minutes and some movement on player arrivals is expected in the coming days. The hosts opened the scoring after 11 minutes when Adam Naismith's low drive took a deflection off a Ross County defender, completely wrong-footing goalkeeper Antonio Reguero and sending the ball spinning into the net. Liam Boyce dragged a low shot across Callum Donaldson and into the far corner to restore parity shortly after half time but Nairn more than held their own against their Premiership opponents. Indeed, the home side could have won it but substitute Paul Macleod scooped the ball over the crossbar from six yards after latching on to Sean Webb's knock down. At the other end, a handful of astute saves by Callum Donaldson kept the Staggies out and Joe Cardle smashed an effort against the crossbar but otherwise, the well-drilled Nairn defence comfortably nullified the Dingwall side's attacking threat. It all starts for real on Tuesday evening as Nairn welcome Forres Mechanics to Station Park in the first round of the North of Scotland Cup. Kick off is at 8.00 pm. The mascot for the day was Kieron Willox shown with a special present from Conor Gethins. Graeme Macleod
