Forres Mechanics 4 Deveronvale 1: Ben Barron is hat-trick hero as Forres win at home again
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A HAT-TRICK for 17-year-old Ben Barron helped Forres Mechanics on the way to a 4-1 win over Deveronvale at Mosset Park on Saturday.
Barron’s treble was added to by a goal from fellow teenager Shaun Morrison to seal a third successive four-goal haul in a row for the Can-Cans at home.
After 4-2 and 4-3 wins over Wick Academy and Rothes respectively, Mechanics sit seventh in the Highland League – well on course to achieve their aim of a top-half finish.
“I’m pleased to get another home win,” said manager Steven MacDonald.
“’Vale played pretty well and gave us a tough time. The scoreline flattered us a bit at half-time, but we have done it a couple of times this season where we’ve hit a flurry of goals and have been in a good position at half-time.
"’Vale came out and put us under the cosh and got a goal. They perhaps could have got another but we weathered that storm and were strong in the last 15 or 20 minutes.
“We had heard that ’Vale were probably in a false position and playing better than the points they have and that was clear to see – but we were clinical and the first half especially was good to watch.”
Hat-trick hero Ben Barron has impressive since coming in from Inverness Caledonian Thistle – but he isn’t the only youngster to have caught the eye at Mosset Park this campaign.
“Ben is not even 18 yet but he’s doing very well,” MacDonald added. “It was hard and disappointing for him not getting another year at a full-time level due to the finances at Inverness Caley Thistle, but he hasn’t felt sorry for himself.
“He’s determined to get back to a higher level and he can do that by continuing to play the way he is and scoring goals.
"Connall (Ewan), Ryan (MacLeman) on loan from Ross County have been standouts, too. They really want to do well.
"They only train with us on the Wednesday but after we got knocked out of the Scottish Cup they turned up on the Monday for extra training. Their attitudes have been great so that's a massive plus.
“We have a lot of promising young players who have had a taste of Ross County or Caley Thistle but sometimes it takes a backwards step to get going again.
“We love working with them, their attitudes are good and it does Forres good to have these players.
He added: "We have moved Dale Wood into midfield where he can be a leader.
"Craig Mackenzie has been really good and will only get better, Ruari Fraser has played every game this season and is improving a lot – he's controlling the team now which is a lot for a 21-year-old."
Forres travel to Brora Rangers on Saturday without injured trio Tom Brady, Joe Gauld and Jack Grant available, plus Graham Fraser (holiday), Callum Johnston and Andy Skinner (both work).
Captain Martin Groat, who returned to the bench but didn't feature on Saturday, is likely to miss out again.
