Single strike separates sides as Formartine take points

Formartine United overcame a stern test to derfeat Forres Mechanics as an early goal from Archie Macphee proved the difference between the two teams.

The Pitmedden outfit started brightly and had a first minute strike from Garry Wood chalked off as he had strayed into an offside position. However, just six minutes later he turned provider as he saw his effort blocked by Stuart Knight but Macphee reacted quickest to fire home from 10 yards.

The striker should have made it two on the stroke of half-time but could only hit the post from close range.

The second half was very even as both teams cancelled each other out.

Formartine coach Russell Anderson was sent to the stand by referee Darren Munro for alleged comments made to the assistant referee.

United manager Paul Lawson was delighted to see his side extend their winning run and leave them seven points behind leaders Cove.

He said: “We knew before the game that it would be a difficult game as they had beaten us at Pitmedden earlier in the season. I thought we started the game very well to get in front and then Forres were probably the better team for the remainder of the half.

“We had a great chance just before half-time to get another through young Aaron Norris and had we taken that one it would have been far more comfortable.

“At 1-0 you are hanging on and they put more pressure on us but credit to my back four and goalkeeper Kevin Main along with Stuart Anderson in front of them as we defended really well.

“That was what we needed as there is more than one way to win a game.”

Forres manager Charlie Rowley agreed with Lawson’s summary of the game.

He said: “For the first 15 minutes we were second best by a long way and they deserved to be in front. They could have been two ahead but we weathered the storm to be the better team before the break while the second half was fairly even.

“We created two or three great chances but we lacked a cutting edge on the day. As much as I can be while not winning, I was really happy with our performance as I felt we deserved to take a point from the match.”