Football heroes save pup on A96

● Turriff United duo risk lives as they dodge traffic to rescue dog ● Grateful owner thinks her pet ran off following fireworks scare

A HIGHLAND League football team saved a puppy from being killed on the A96 as they made their way back from a game at the weekend.

Turriff United were travelling home on Saturday night following their 2-1 defeat at Nairn County when they saw the terrified dog dash into the path of oncoming cars on the busy road just south of Elgin.

They stopped the team bus and United boss Dean Donaldson, pictured right, and first-team coach Graeme Taylor dodged traffic to grab the frightened Pomeranian-pug crossbreed called Foxy, pictured left.

Last night Mr Donaldson said: “The dog had me dodging cars on the A96.

“We gasped a few times as it looked as if the dog was going to be run over.

“Graeme and I jumped off the bus and we managed to get her.”

Foxy was yesterday reunited with relieved owner Martha Stewart, of Coxton near Lhanbryde, following a social media appeal.

Martha believes her pet may have run off after being spooked by fireworks but added: “How she managed to end up away down the A96 is another mystery. “I want to thank the football team for looking after her.”