November 20th 2023
NAIRN County retained the Nairn Charity Shield with a simple 3-0 success over St Ninian at the Showfield. The visitors were missing five first team regulars but despite the absentees, Ronnie Sharp's men eased to an untroubled victory. Gary Kerr, Adam Porritt, Callum Maclean, Gregg Main and Kenny McKenzie would all usually be near the top of Sharp's team selection but were left out of the squad. However, their team mates breezed home with plenty left in the tank. An even first half in terms of possession and chances saw County create the best of the openings but despite that, it was goalless at the break. After the restart though, Nairn blew the hosts away to earn a deserved success. A first start for Max Ewan was marked by the young attacker with his maiden goal for the club as he put Nairn in front 15 minutes after the break to put them on their way and from there, the visitors were never looking back. Craig Munro was another making his first start in a County shirt and he too added his name to the scoresheet, continuing from where he left off in his prolific season with the under-20s squad last term. The centre half was joint top scorer at that level last year and having also spent time on loan at St Ninian, he showed them what they are missing as he looped home a header to make Nairn's dominance count on 75 minutes. If that did not put the outcome beyond doubt then the contest was well and truly settled just a minute later with Ross Naismith notching his first goal of pre-season from the penalty spot. County are straight back into action on Saturday with a trip to Pinefields where they will be expecting another stern workout against junior outfit, New Elgin. Nairn County – D. Maclean, J. Maclean, Ednie, A. Naismith, Glenn Main, Munro, R. Naismith, Urquhart, D. Mackenzie, Ewan, Ramsay. Subs (all used): MacRae, MacDonald, M. Macleod, Trialist, R. Macleod (gk). Graeme Macleod
