November 20th 2023
TWO cracking strikes from Matty Macleod saw Nairn County U20s lead Spey Valley United at half time although the Juniors side battled back to record a 4-2 win in this friendly at Cromdale. It was an impressive first half showing from Ally Munro's team although tired legs caught up with his troops after the break in their second game in three days. Spey Valley took an early lead through a looping header but Matty Macleod equalised with the first of his impressive double. Macleod raced in on goal from the right but after beating one defended, he was dispossessed. Trialist Nick Highet nicked the ball back in the box though before cutting it back for Macleod to take a touch before curling his left-footed shot into the top corner from 12 yards out. If Macleod's first goal was impressive, his second shortly before the interval topped it. Highet was released down the left and his ball across the face of the box was touched to the right by Chris Mackinnon for Matty Macleod to smash across the Spey Valley goalkeeper and into the top corner. Spey Valley were fortunate to go in just one behind at half time but an equaliser early in the second half set the tone as a low cross from the right was turned home at the far post. An impressive looping volley from a tight angle at the far post put Spey Valley in front before a cross from the right was headed home to seal the home side's success. Nairn County – R. Macleod (Wilkie), Tweedie, Alexander (MacBean), Munro, Barton, Grant, Mackinnon, Porteous, MacBean (Davidson), Highet, M. Macleod (Gordon). Graeme Macleod
