ROTHES moved up to third in the Highland League with a 2-0 victory over Huntly at Mackessack Park

Praise was heaped on the home side's goalkeeper Ewen MacDonald for his trio of second-half saves, with goals from Aidan Wilson and Alan Pollock securing the win.

Rothes boss Ross Jack said: "Huntly put us under pressure, especially in the second half, with long balls into the box, which we dealt well with. Ewen Macdonald made a couple of brilliant saves.

"We didn't create too many chances but I'm delighted with three points."

Rothes took the lead on six minutes as Aidan Wilson shot into the bottom on the turn after goalkeeper John Farquhar’s punch failed to make it fully clear.

Speysiders midfielder Alan Pollock went close before half-time as he fired a dipping shot onto the top of the crossbar from the edge of the area.

Farquhar made a great save at the start of the second half as he denied Ali Sutherland from close range, and he was alert again to deny Steven Anderson on the hour mark.

But the Huntly keeper’s opposite number then took the limelight.

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First, Macdonald got down really well to his right to deny Huntly captain Ross Still – before he denied the same man with a quite stunning flying save up to his left.

Just two minutes later, with 15 to go, Nathan Meres’ fierce drive was tipped onto the post by a seemingly unbeatable Rothes stopper.

And, with Huntly searching for a way to beat the home stopper, Rothes then landed the sucker-punch to secure the victory as Steven Anderson’s cross was beautifully volleyed into the bottom left corner by Alan Pollock with 10 minutes to play.

Ross Jack added: "We haven't played against the likes of Brora but against the teams we have had to play we have done well. We are up there on merit.

"We will keep the run going if we can. Brora are definitely favourites (for the title) and it's theirs to lose but we will keep plugging away."

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