November 20th 2023
A FLYING start by Nairn County under-20s helped them on their way to a local derby win over Forres Mechanics at the Academy Playing Fields, writes Graeme Macleod. It has been approximately three months since County have been in action but it never showed early on as they went two up inside six minutes. Matty Macleod raced down the right and delivered a low cross on five minutes. Although Jordan MacRae's initial effort was blocked, trialist was on hand to ram home the rebound from five yards. Barely a minute later, County doubled their lead. Another trialist delivered from the left and although MacRae's effort was impressively saved by the advancing Forres goalkeeper, Matty Macleod was on hand to drive home the loose ball from a tight angle six-yards out at the far post. Forres pulled a goal back on 19 minutes when a deflection took a shot from the right away from wrong-footed goalkeeper Ryan Macleod, as the ball flew into the top corner at the near post. Nairn re-established their two-goal advantage just six minutes later though. Jordan MacRae was fouled in the penalty area and the striker confidently stepped home to convert the spot kick. A looping ball across the County goal dropped in at the far post four minutes before the break though as Forres reduced the arrears shortly before half time. County had a great chance to add to their tally three minutes after the break but MacRae's second penalty kick of the night was saved after Jack Maclean had been fouled in the box. But Nairn rounded off the victory with the goal of the night on 63 minutes. Trialist played a perfectly-weighted pass down the right for the impressive Macleod to run on to. His first time cross was just the invitation Jordan MacRae needed to rise at the far post and head home his second of the night to make it 4-2. Nairn County – Ryan Macleod (Dylan Maclean 46), Chris Green (Chris MacKinnon 55), Calum Ednie, Craig Munro, Reece Barton, Trialist A, Trialist B, Jack Maclean, Jordan MacRae, Matty Macleod (Craig Alexander 72), Trialist C. Subs unused: Struan Tweedie, Ryan McBean. Graeme Macleod
