New boss off to a flyer at Pitmedden

Formartine United gave new boss Paul Lawson a winning start but the Pitmedden men made heavy weather of their victory over lowly Keith.

Lawson saw Liam Burnett fire them off to a dream start with the opener coming in the first minute.

When Archie Macphe added a second after 19 minutes, it looked like it was going to be plain sailing for Kris Hunter’s successor.

But Keith proved sturdy opponents and resisted any further loss of goals to the title hopefuls.

Lawson said: “I asked the boys to give me maximum effort. We fizzled out a bit in the second half but I can’t have many complaints.”

Elsewhere, Cove Rangers retained a two-point lead at the summit after crushing early-season form side Nairn County 8- 0 at Station Park.

Mitch Megginson struck a hat-trick and Daniel Park netted twice for the Aberdeen side. Ryan Strachan, Harry Milne and Connor Scully also scored.

Fraserburgh stayed second with a 5-1 triumph away to Lossiemouth.

A Gary Harris double and finishes from Greg Buchan, Graham Johnston and Bryan Hay did the damage for the Broch who saw James McLaren pull one back late on for Lossie.

Defending champs Buckie Thistle smashed six past hosts Strathspey Thistle with ex-Ross County hitman Steven Ross claiming a treble.

Ross Anderson’s double and another from John McLeod wrapped it up.

Deveronvale won 5-1 at Fort William aided by a Graeme Watt double while Huntly drew 2-2 with visiting Clach.

Inverurie Locos were held to a 0- 0 draw at home to Forres Mechanics.

Wick, who last night appointed Tom McKenna as boss, were surprise 5-1 victors at home to Rothes with Marc MacGregor claiming a hat-trick.