HIGHLAND LEAGUE
Title-holders BRORA claimed top spot with a 5-0 win against DEVERONVALE at Princess Royal Park. Mark Nicolson headed the Cattachs in front before Andy Macrae provided a second with a swift counter-attack. Macrae delivered a great ball in for Paul Brindle to volley No. 3 just after the hour. Ally Macdonald then headed home Dale Gillespie’s corner, and Paul Brindle lobbed home a fantastic fifth.
INVERURIE LOCOS beat visitors KEITH 2-0. Neil Gauld got the Locos chuffing with a 25-yard clipped finish in the 20th minute, and the same player headed home a Nathan Meres cross to secure a solid opening-day victory.
LOSSIEMOUTH lost 2-0 at home to FRASERBURGH. The Broch made the breakthrough early in the second half, with Scott Barbour converting a Sean Butcher set-up. Barbour then crossed for Gary Harris to turn home No. 2.
Highland League Cup holders ROTHES welcomed HUNTLY to Mackessack Park in what was Allan Hale’s first League match in charge of the visitors. The Speysiders hit the only goal of the game when Craig Cormack’s perfect delivery was headed home by Fraser Robertson.
FORMARTINE UNITED won 5-1 at TURRIFF UNITED. Formartine got the season off to a flying start as Garry Wood scored just 70 seconds after the kick-off. Daniel Park netted a second halfway through the first half, but Robert Ward pulled one back. Wood restored the two-goal advantage early in the second half before Johnny Crawford clinched the points with a fourth goal shortly before the hour. Graeme Rodger completed the nap hand late on.
WICK ACADEMY went down 3-2 at home to BUCKIE THISTLE, with all the goals coming in the second half. Kyle Macleod and Ryan Campbell traded goals before the Jags retook the lead with Macleod doubling up. An Andy Macaskill penalty made it 3-1. Craig Gunn set up a grandstand finish, but there was no late leveller.