Breedon Scottish Highland Football League, Forres Mechanics v Fraserburgh, Saturday 5th November 2022

In the early exchanges home goalkeeper Stuart Knight did well to repel a Greg Buchan free-kick and Paul Young’s strike from 12 yards out. But the custodian was powerless to prevent the Broch taking the lead after half an hour as Can-Cans captain Martin Groat glanced Scott Barbour’s free-kick from the right into his own net.

Six minutes later Shaun Morrison sent Ben Barron through and with goalkeeper Joe Barbour off his line, the striker lobbed the ball onto the roof of the net. At the other end Knight made a good save from Jamie Beagrie’s header.

Assistant referee Andy Stephenson suffered a suspected Achilles injury five minutes prior to half-time and was unable to continue. After an appeal to the crowd Claire Batty, Fraserburgh community coach, who has completed the SFA’s refereeing course stepped forward to run the line.

Half Time: Forres Mechanics 0 Fraserburgh 1

Forres equalised on 65 minutes. Morrison did well initially to find space on the right side of the area and his low shot was parried by Barbour. The Forres player was first to get onto the loose ball and squared for Barron to tap home from close range.

Fraserburgh tried to turn the screw after that. Sean Butcher was flagged offside when netting with a header, Knight made a fine stop to keep out Kieran Simpson’s header and a poor touch let Zane Laird down when presented with a sight of goal. For Forres, Callum Johnston fired just wide from 14 yards out and an excellent last-ditch intervention from Ross Aitken denied the hosts in the dying embers.

Full Time: Forres Mechanics 1 Fraserburgh 1

Forres Mechanics: Stuart Knight, Martin Groat, Craig Mackenzie, Thomas Brady, Callum Johnston, Connall Ewan, Kane Davies, Lee Fraser, Ben Barron, Ethan Cairns, Shaun Morrison (Harvey Henderson 80).
Subs not used: Lucas Davidson, Luca McCullie, Robert Donaldson, Conor McKay.
Goalscorer: Ben Barron (46).

Fraserburgh: Joe Barbour, Ross Aitken, William West, Bryan Hay, Kieran Simpson, Paul Young, Greg Buchan (Zane Laird 82), Jamie Beagrie, Paul Campbell (Sean Butcher 70), Connor Wood (Ryan Sargent 70), Scott Barbour.
Subs not used: Logan Watt, Callum Kelly, Kyle Wood, Paul Leask.
Goalscorer: Own Goal (33).

Match Officials – Referee: Kevin Buchanan, Assistant Referees: Will McKay & Andy Stephenson.