Wilson stars for Rothes with goal and an assist
North Junior champions BANKS O’ DEE passed up the opportunity to test their strength in the Highland League this season, so their friendly against ROTHES had the necessary additional intrigue to make it the eye-catching clash, with the Speysiders winning 3-2.
A flowing first-half display was rewarded with just one goal, Fraser Robertson finding the net.
Reece Gray struck the bar for Dee early in the second half, before Neale Allan levelled from the penalty-spot on the hour. New signing Aidan Wilson was the star man for Rothes and he fired a left-footer into the bottom corner from 20 yards, but Richard Binnie levelled things up once more. Wilson then set up Steven Anderson for the winner, the former Scorrie volleying home from the striker’s dinked ball to the back post.
One of the favourites for the SHFL crown this season, FRASERBURGH, were impressive again as they ran out 5-0 winners over BRIDGE OF DON THISTLE. Scott Barbour netted one in each half, with Paul Campbell scoring his brace before the break. Logan Watt completed the scoring. KEITH looked sharp as they dominated CRAIGROYSTON on the way to a 4-0 win in the Billy Allan Cup. An own goal by the Craig centre-back was followed by a double from Wayne Barron and one from Max Berton, all in the first half.
INVERURIE LOCOS took no pity on a team of “Dons Legends” as they ran out 4-1 winners. Mark Souter opened the scoring, with Jonny Smith making it 2-0 at the break. Chris Angus and Ryan Broadhurst doubled the home side’s tally before conceding a late consolation.
A young INVERNESS CALEY THISTLE team defeated BUCKIE THISTLE 4-3 at Victoria Park, despite Sam Urquhart putting the hoops in front in the first half. However, Roddy Macgregor and then a Harry Nicolson free-kick turned the score on its head before half-time. Urquhart also netted from the spot in the second period, with Kieran Adams scoring an injury-time consolation either side of goals from Donald Morrison and Shane Harkness.
FORRES MECHANICS beat their Junior neighbours FORRES THISTLE 5-0, with Andrew Macrae (2), Owen Paterson, Moray Taylor and James Ross among the goals.
HUNTLY came from behind to draw 1-1 with BANCHORY ST TERNAN. Saints skipper Steven Travers curled in an unstoppable free-kick in 16 minutes, but Kai Ross shot into the top corner in response.
Liam Strachan put TURRIFF a goal up against ROTHIE ROVERS, but they were pegged back by Scott Chalmers as the game finished all square. CLACHNACUDDIN lost out 1-0 to Junior side NAIRN ST NINIAN, A Macleod scoring.