Moore-y Christmas for fantastic Forres
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FANTASTIC Forres strengthened their grip on top spot in the Highland League with a four goal festive beating of challengers Nairn County.
Charlie Rowley's side maintain a five point lead going into Christmas over Cove Rangers, who won 1-0 against Fraserbrugh, but crucially the Can-Cans have two games in hand.
A first half double from Scott Moore and injury time goals from Simon Allan (penalty) and Neil Whyte secured a deserved three points against a Nairn side that started the game in second place.
Forres took the game to Nairn from the off and were well on top in the opening 45 minutes.
They opened the scoring when Moore cut in from the left flank, beat a couple of defenders and saw his shot deflected beyond Ali Ridgers off defender Martin Macdonald.
Eight minutes before the break, Forres added a second when Kyle Scott robbed Steven Mackay in the middle of the park and set up Moore for a cool finish.
Conor Gethins smacked a fierce drive off the crossbar just 50 seconds into the second half but Nairn didn't look like getting back into the game.
Forres looked content to see the game out but they won a penalty in the 90th minute when sub Matty Davidson was fouled by Michael Morrison and Allan blasted home the spot kick.
And deep into injury time, Whyte put some icing on the Christmas cake when he slotted home from 12 yards after another great run by Davidson.
Boss Charlie Rowley said: "In the first half we were out of this world, especially considering the players we were missing andf had to changes things.
"Our two wide players, Scott Moore and Kevin Duguid were phenomenal.
"We thoroughly deserved the victory and to nullify a front three that has scored dozens of goals between them this season was great.
"The turkey will taste a lot better on Sunday after that result," he added.
Influential Kyle Scott said: "The boys are buzzing and that is the best Christmas present we could have asked for. It is very much in our own hands now.
"A lot of people were looking to us to get beaten but that sends out a big message to the rest of the league."
Keith produced a display of clinical finishing to see off Lossiemouth 3-0 at Kynoch Park.
John Smith produced a spectacular opener from 20 yards in 15 minutes and Andy McAskill added a second just before the interval.
Dean Donaldson completed the scoring midway through the second half with his 100th goal for the club.
Manager Darren Still said it was a "brilliant result" and he was especially pleased for Deano, who is in his testimonial season, his 10th with the Maroons.
Lossie assistant boss Stuart Cameron said it was their poorest performance of the season and they would be ringing the changes for the return at Grant Park next Friday night.
Elsewhere, Rothes got a confidence-boosting 3-1 win at home to Strathspey Thistle, Buckie edged Deveronvale 1-0 at Victoria Park and Huntly crashed 0-4 at home to Inverurie Locos.
Other results were: Brora 1, Wick 2; Clach 6, Fort William 0; Cove 1, Fraserburgh 0; Formartine 2, Turriff 0.
