November 20th 2023
RONNIE Sharp described his side's first half display at Turriff United as the best he has seen since taking over as Nairn County manager a little over a year ago. Sharp watched on as Ross Naismith scored the goal that gave County the advantage at half time before the same player doubled Nairn's lead from the penalty spot after the restart. Turriff pulled a goal back with a little over 10 minutes remaining to ensure that it was a nervy finale but Nairn held on to take the points. Sharp said: "That is a season-and-a-bit I have been here and the first half was the best I have seen us play. I thought we were totally dominant and came in 1-0 up but we should have been a few more goals ahead. We made a lot of chances but just did not take them but it was a very impressive performance from us." "Even in the second half, we created chances and their goalkeeper was excellent making some really good saves and we hit the post too. We need to take a few of these chances when we were as dominant as we were in the first half." Naismith's double saw him mark his return to the starting line-up in style having not featured since the opening day of the season. Sharp revealed: "Ross has missed a few games because of work and the performances of other players. Ewen Urquhart is unavailable for two weeks, so Ross came in and scored two goals and just like everybody else, I thought he put in a very impressive performance." Naismith knocked in the rebound after Jordan MacRae's shot was saved by the goalkeeper to open the scoring before converting a penalty on the hour-mark to secure the win. Sharp added: "It was a good save from the goalkeeper to deny Jordan but Ross was in there for the rebound and finished it off then he was confident enough to put away the penalty. Gregg Main is injured and is our penalty taker then it is Ross and Jordan MacRae. We shouted over to Ross to take it because he has not missed one in my time here." County welcome Lossiemouth to Station Park next Saturday and then Wick Academy the following Wednesday as they play two home games in a row. Sharp said: "Every game is difficult and we now have two home games to come in a row, so we want to build on this. It is one of the best starts the club has had in a while with 10 points from five games and to think we have been away to Buckie and away to Turriff, who are two teams that challenge for the league every year. We will keep our feet on the ground and keep going – the boys have got to keep working as hard as they can." County player Calum Riddell was invited to lead the teams out at The Haughs after it was revealed this week that the midfielder is suffering from brain cancer. "I thought it was excellent," said Sharp. "Ross Jack (Turriff United manager) spoke to us before the game and came to us with the idea of Calum leading the teams out. Calum is still involved with the club and will remain a registered Nairn County player and member of the squad. It was great to see and Turriff have put money towards Calum's fund. That is great from their players and their committee and we cannot thank them enough." Graeme Macleod
