Emotional Rowley acclaims Forres title success
FORRES Mechanics manager Charlie Rowley couldn't hide his emotions after his team clinched the Highland League title.
Mosset Park was a scene of jubilation after Mechanics defeated Fraserburgh 1-0 to claim only the second league title of their history.
Our video (right) shows captain Ross MacPherson lead his team up for the trophy in front of the thrilled home support.
And Rowley admitted the occasion got to him at the full time whistle when he realised the Cans were champions.
“I'm not really an emotional person but if I'm being honest, but something just hits you, which I knew it would,” he said. “But now I've got over it and can enjoy it.
“This is beyond belief, it's an amazing feeling. Apart from family things, the birth of my children and my marriage, this is by far the best day.
“It's why we all take part in part time football to have days and occasions like this.”
It was a nervy occasion for Mechanics, who didn't produce a good performance on the day but got the result that mattered.
The only goal of the match summed up the scrappy nature of play, a bizarre own goal scored by Fraserburgh defender Ryan Christie when his pass back to Paul Leask skidded under the goalkeeper's foot and found the net on 15 minutes.
Willie Barron missed two chances to extend the lead, while Nathan Sharp's header on the stroke of half time was tipped over by Leask.
The visitors had defender Marc Dickson sent off on 75 minutes but still made things difficult for Cans, who were happy to hand on until the final whistle.
Mechanics' fans invaded the pitch to join the players in celebration, and there was a huge roar when captain Ross MacPherson went up to lift the Highland League trophy.
Video footage by Philip Robertson.
Don't miss Friday's Northern Scot for a Forres Mechanics' champion's special.
