Dream start to Highland League for Lossiemouth
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THE dream start to the season for Lossiemouth has given the Coasters a real boost.
After a nightmare season which saw them win just two games and collect eight points, Joe Russell’s side got the new campaign off to a flyer with a 1-0 win at home to Huntly last Saturday.
A second half penalty from summer signing Kris Duncan ensured the three points.
Lossie performed well in Wednesday night’s 3-1 North of Scotland Cup defeat at home to an Inverness Caley Thistle with a good number of players with first team experience.
Boss Joe Russell was delighted to get the season off to a good start.
“To keep a clean sheet first and foremost was really pleasing. Trevor (Dear) never had a save to make in the second half and from a defensive point of view it was really good,” he said.
“We had three or four chances to score in open play but it was a thoroughly deserved penalty.
“Their gaffer said we deserved to win and that was down to how we played. I am confident we will not leak as many goals and will have a more solid base.”
On Wednesday, Lossie came up against a strong Inverness CT side which included the likes of Aaron Doran, Kevin McHattie, Nikolay Todorov, Cammy Mackay and Daniel Mackay.
Goals from Todorov, Matheus Machado and Doran in the opening 20 minutes threatened to blow Lossie away but they recovered and pulled a goal back early in the second half through Fraser Forbes.
Russell said: "They had about six or seven who have been in the first team or on the fringes. The first 20 minutes they ran us pretty ragged and showed their quality.
"Once we settled in to it we had some cracking phases of play. Our shape and our discipline was really good so I was really pleased.
"If they are going to bring that sort of quality through then they are going to expect to go through.
"It's disappointing from that aspect because it kind of makes a mockery of what it is supposed to be, a Colts team, and they bring six or seven first team or fringe players through.
"The boys worked hard and know they can play against these players. When it comes to playing against the top teams in the Highland League we know we can stand up to them and hopefully get something out of the games when it comes to it."
Russell is pleased with the new signings added in the summer and the pre-season prepartions.
"Scott Wilson, Scott Gordon and Baker (Kris Duncan) up front. Kev Flett wasn't here tonight as he had other commitments.
"Trevor is staking a claim for the goalkeeper slot. I am confident we won't leak as many goals but I dare say we will have our ups and downs."
Lossie have no game this weekend.
