PICTURES: Lossiemouth lost in the fog as manager Joe Russell assesses his team's Highland League defeat to Huntly at Grant Park
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LOSSIEMOUTH manager Joe Russell admitted his team didn't play to their potential in Saturday's 4-1 home defeat to Huntly.
The Christie Park side built on reaching the Aberdeenshire Shield final in midweek by overpowering their Moray hosts.
Trialist Andy Hunter, who scored five goals on trial at Deveronvale, netted on his Huntly debut to edge them in front at the break.
Brodie Allen levelled within seconds of the kick off to the second half, raising home hopes of a comeback.
But the visitors stepped up a gear and strikes by Gavin Elphinstone, Joel MacBeath and Glenn Murison took Huntly to a comfortable three points.
"We just didn't get going after Brodie's equaliser, but we didn’t play particularly well in the first half either," admitted Lossie boss Russell.
"We just weren't at the races, we went through fits and starts but gave away possession cheaply which has been an issue for the last few weeks and we need to address that pretty sharpish.
"We lined up 4-3-3 but ended up getting pinned back to a 4-5-1 and that happens when the other team has the momentum and the upper hand and forces you into that way of playing."
The Coasters have gone nine games without a win in all competitions - eight of those defeats - and are eager to turn things round in their final game of the year at Wick Academy on Monday.
"Hopefully we can put it right if the game is on," said Russell.
The manager didn't have his problems to seek on the injury front on Saturday with Ryan Stuart limping off and Fraser Forbes crocked immediately after coming on as sub, leaving Lossie with ten men for the closing minutes.
"Stuarty came off after about half an hour with a tweak in his hamstring, it had been tight but he thought it would be alright.
"Fraser was literally just on the pitch when a boy came through the back of him and he rolled his ankle and had to come off again.
"That about summed up our Saturday."
