Thistles tangle at Forest Park as Forres defeat Burghead in Moray junior football derby

It was Moray derby day in north junior football's Championship on Saturday when Forres Thistle made the short trip to Burghead Thistle.

Second-placed Burghead were keen to build on a good season so far but it was the away side who triumphed.

Kelvin Mackenzie just failed to connect with a Craig Ellis cross to the back post as the home Thistle chased an opener.

Mackenzie then forced a good save out of Forres keeper Dan McLeod after turning and shooting on the edge of the box.

At the other end Jamie Souter failed to properly test Burghead keeper Aidan MacDonald after getting clear into the box.

Connor Aubrey lobbed just over as Forres grew in confidence, and within a minute Aubrey fired in the openeing goal on 41 minutes from a Souter assist.

MacDonald denied Matty Fraser a Forres second just after the break, making an instinctive save.

Just before the hour, the home side launched a free kick forward and James Fraser beat McLeod in the air but his header went just over the target.

There were no more clear chances until the closing minutes, with MacDonald saving well from Forres sub Hamish Fraser.

As Burghead pushed on, they were hit on the break in stoppage time and Ricky Wardrop played in sub Ewan Turner who chipped the stranded MacDonald and sealed victory for the away team.

Burghead host leaders Banks O' Dee Juniors - who have won all 12 league games so far - on Saturday while Forres host New Elgin in the Elginshire Cup.

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