Forres Mechanics assistant manager Mark Holmes is thrilled to be back at Mosset Park but frustrated by Highland League defeat at former club Clachnacuddin
Destined for victory at his former club Clach on Saturday, Forres Mechanics assistant boss Mark Holmes was frustrated to end up on the losing side.
The Cans came from behind to lead 2-1 at Grant Street Park going into the final ten minutes of Saturday’s match.
But a late Lilywhites revival produced three goals to floor the visitors.
Holmes, who recently returned to Mechanics as manager Steven MacDonald’s number two, reflected on a disappointing afternoon in the Highland capital.
“It was frustrating. We just couldn’t hold on to the lead in the end.
“I felt they scored against the run of play in the first 20-25 minutes as we were well on top, but you’ve got to convert chances too.
“But we got ourselves back in it and I wish we had held on to our lead. We need to be a bit more savvy next time.”
Despite some good Forres openings in the first quarter, Connor Bunce put the Inverness men ahead midway through the first half.
it stayed that way until former Clach man Shaun Sutherland levelled in first half stoppage time.
Calum Frame’s eighth goal of the season had mechanics on the road to victory, coming with just 11 minutes to play.
But a quick equaliser from Jack MacKay was followed by a Rorie MacLeod strike, with Bunce heaping more misery on Forres with a fourth home goal in time added on.
“Clach are a good young side as well and fair play to them for coming back,” said Holmes, who can count on the highland side as one of several teams he played for in the north.
A flying winger in his day, Holmes had two spells at Forres where he won the North Cup under Alan Scott in 2004, and also played for Buckie Thistle and Nairn County.
His career took him to higher reaches with spells at Caley Thistle and Ross County as well as trials with a number of SPFL sides.
Holmes runs his own football academy, not only in the Highlands where he has four bases but also in three countries in Africa and more recently in Canada.
He has also worked as a football agent, and was thrilled to make his return to Mosset Park with MacDonald, who he played alongside at Caley Thistle and Forres.
“Steven has put a good young team together and there’s a lot of positives to be taken out of Saturday’s game,” he said.
“I’ve known him for a long time. I played with him at Caley Thistle and Forres.
“Having played at Forres in two spells, I know they are a good family club and it’s good to be back in there and involved in their coaching.
“Steven has had some good coaches in the past but it is a lot to take on when you are just doing it yourself, trying to manage and coach the team.
“He spoke to me out of the blue and luckily enough everything came together and now I’m here. I’m delighted to be back at the club.”
Cans are on the road again this weekend when they visit Fraserburgh in the first round of the Highland League Cup.
