Rothes 1 Lossiemouth 0: Speysiders edge out Coasters in Moray derby
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ROTHES manager Ross Jack was delighted to see his side pick up three points against a battling Lossiemouth side on Saturday.
Jack admitted his side were below par against the Coasters at Mackessack Park, but points on the board and a clean sheet pleased the Speysiders boss.
Fewer than 48 hours before kick-off, Rothes had no goalkeeper – but a late phone call from Ross Jack to Kevin Main sorted the situation, with the 41-year-old getting a shut-out as defender Ben Johnstone scored a 73rd minute winner.
"We were not at our best but we are delighted with the three points and a clean sheet," he said. "We kept a clean sheet and got the goal that mattered so I'm absolutely happy with that.
"Lossie battled away and played some good stuff but didn't threaten us in goal at all. We had to rely on a very good ex-player of mine in Kevin Main who came in and kept a clean sheet.
"Sean McCarthy had family business to attend to out of the blue, Iain MacKenzie is in the USA, Charlie Christie is injured and we had another young keeper who wasn't registered in time.
"I know Kevin well from my Turriff days and he has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Highland League and has kept in good shape. I never had any worries about his ability.
"I called him late on Thursday evening and he was happy to help an old manager out."
Coasters manager Frank McGettrick said his side were "unfortunate" to lose the game by an odd goal.
However, scoring goals again proved problematic for Lossie, who have hit six in eight Highland League matches so far this campaign.
"We were unfortunate to lose," McGettrick said. "It was a tough game, Rothes are a decent side and made things difficult for us, but we played quite well.
"We had a few chances and deserved something out of the game. We didn't deserve to lose but we have to score goals.
"We have been defending quite well and working hard as a team. We just need to create a wee bit more in the final third and take one or two of our chances and maybe confidence will spread.
"Ross Elliot and Bailey Campbell would be two of our top strikers and they have been missing all season and they are out for a while yet, which is a big blow.
"We have to work with what we have and hopefully things turn a corner with hard work at training. The squad have got to stick together."
