Lossiemouth see off Huntly and Caley Thistle in pre-season friendlies to keep manager Joe Russell happyLOSSIEMOUTH'S pre-season form is pleasing manager Joe Russell.
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The Coasters defeated Highland League rivals Huntly 1-0 in a Grant Park friendly last Saturday.
Lossie then defeated a young Caley Thistle team 2-0 on Thursday night.
Ryan Stuart's first half goal and a first goal in Lossie colours for new centre back Dean Stewart earned the win against Inverness.
Liam Archibald's penalty settled the all-Highland League clash last weekend and helped Lossie put down a marker for the new league season, which begins on July 24.
“Our pre-season has been decent and I have to be happy so far,” Russell said.
“Huntly hit the post and had chances but so did we and I think we should have been out of sight before we got the goal.
"They started on the front foot but didn’t have as many chances as us. Getting the clean sheet and getting the one goal to win it is all you can ask for at this stage.”
Russell was pleased to see his new central defensive pair of Stewart and Fergus Edwards.
“We could still do with more experience and we are on the lookout for that but the young players are doing well.”
Two more youth players knocking on the first team door are Lewis McAndrew and Louis Kelly, who Russell has high hopes for.
He said goalkeepers Stewart Black and Ollie Kelly - on loan from Elgin City - have been sharing the number one duties in pre-season so far.
Experienced striker Martin Charlesworth, who signed another one-year deal at Lossie, may miss some game time with his wife due to give birth soon.
The Coasters have no more friendlies and can now prepare for their league opener away to Buckie Thistle.
“That will give us a week and a bit to tweak a few things and prepare for the start of the season," Russell added.
