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Rothes manager Richard Hastings ‘delighted’ by crazy derby victory over Forres Mechanics





Manager Richard Hastings was ‘delighted’ to see his Rothes side secure a 3-0 derby success on the opening day of the Highland League.

Hastings, who is entering his first full season in charge of the Speysiders, watched his team run out big winners after a crazy Moray derby against Forres Mechanics at Mosset Park.

Rothes' Jake Thomson (second right) celebrates his goal. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
Rothes' Jake Thomson (second right) celebrates his goal. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

Goals from Greg Morrison, Jake Thomson and Owen Alexander proved enough for the three points - with Kyle MacLeod and goalkeeper Corey Patterson sent off for Mechanics, who ended with former Rothes defender Ryan McRitchie in goals.

Hastings said: “I wouldn’t say we were perfect and there is still lots to work on, but there was a work rate and an endeavour and we created chances.

“My voice is gone, because I am seeing things that we need to do a lot better.

“We would have liked to have scored more with the chances we had, but we scored some really good attacking goals that we were well taken.

“I’m delighted to get off to a good start. I want us to play fast, attacking football and we did that really well.”

Rothes manager Richard Hastings. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
Rothes manager Richard Hastings. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

Mechanics manager Steven MacDonald labelled the decision to send off his striker MacLeod in the first half as “appalling” and “incompetent”, but Hastings had a slightly less strong view.

He added: “I don’t know the boy Kyle (MacLeod) too well, at all, but he probably didn’t help himself after the first yellow.

“I just said to my boys that, regardless of whether we are playing 10 or nine, we are going to do the same things.

“It’s not easy playing against 10 or nine, because they are up for it. You have got to be switched on and do your job no matter what you are up against.”

Winger Ross Logan, signed in summer from Strathspey Thistle, put in a performance that will no doubt have excited the fans that travelled through to Forres.

Rothes' Owen Alexander (left) celebrates with Ross Logan after scoring the third goal for the travelling Speysiders. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
Rothes' Owen Alexander (left) celebrates with Ross Logan after scoring the third goal for the travelling Speysiders. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

On Logan, Hastings added: “Ross is a very explosive player. I have been an admirer of him from my time at Inverurie Locos.

“I’m delighted to finally get him on board. He is a game-changer and can terrorise defender. He’s a great player to have in the squad.”

Rothes host Formartine United - who started the league with a 2-0 loss to Banks o’ Dee - on Saturday.

“We are under no illusions that next week will be tough but we will have a game plan and we will go for it,” Hastings added.

Rothes' Greg Morrison (centre) opened the scoring. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
Rothes' Greg Morrison (centre) opened the scoring. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
Rothes' Owen Alexander scores the third goal for the travelling Speysiders. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
Rothes' Owen Alexander scores the third goal for the travelling Speysiders. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

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