North of Scotland Cup and Highland League results round-up: Forres Mechanics come back to win thrilling final against Clachnacuddin

Calum Frame revealed he felt no pressure as he stepped up to fire Forres Mechanics to North of Scotland Cup glory.

The Can-Cans won the tournament for the ninth time, and secured their first silverware since 2012, by coming from two goals behind to beat Clachnacuddin 3-2 in a thrilling final at Nairn’s Station Park.

Striker Frame netted Forres’ winner from the penalty spot in extra time, and despite the pressure of the situation – as well as missing his previous penalty – the 20-year-old was unflustered.

Frame, who is north football’s top scorer with 16 goals this season, said: “I just zoned out and focused on putting it away.

“The last penalty I had against Turriff (3-0 loss on August 30) I missed.

“Me and the manager spoke about that and said when we got the next one I’d take it and absolutely smash it in.

“Five of my mates were at the game and I saw them standing in the corner so I wanted to smash it in the net and go to celebrate with them.

“You can’t let the moment get to you, all the boys told me to take my time and relax with it.

“The pressure was completely taken away and when you score it’s a great feeling.

“In the semi-final against Caley Thistle my mates were there, but I didn’t celebrate with them when I scored and they were raging. So I made sure to celebrate with them this time.

“It’s brilliant to win, it’s a massive thing for the players, coaches and supporters.

“The supporters come to watch us week-in, week-out and to give something back to them is brilliant.”

Lilywhites make early running

Goalmouth action was at a premium early on, but the final came to life when Clach broke the deadlock on 34 minutes.

A long ball forward from goalkeeper Mark Ridgers was headed down by Forres defender Sam Nixon, Troy Cooper gathered the loose ball, jinked out of a challenge and toe-poked a powerful effort beyond goalkeeper Sean McCarthy from 20 yards.

The Lilywhites’ tails were up as they chased a second goal, which arrived in the 41st minute.

Cooper charged down Charlie Macdonald’s clearance, Andrew Macrae gathered possession, found Cooper, who beat Macdonald on the left flank and crossed for James Anderson to score from close range.

But in the third minute of first half stoppage time Forres started their comeback by reducing the deficit. Matt Jamieson’s cross from the right was swept into the bottom right corner by Kyle MacLeod from 12 yards.

Clach had chances early in the second half. Cooper curled over from 20 yards and Allan MacPhee blasted wide from 12 yards, but after that the Can-Cans took the game to their opponents.

Can-Cans comeback

Frame had three chances in quick succession: he had a header tipped away by Ridgers at full stretch, flashed an angled drive wide and saw an attempt from close range brilliantly blocked by Ridgers after the keeper had initially spilled Jamieson’s 30-yard shot.

But in the 69th minute Forres did restore parity. Ridgers fumbled Jamieson’s cross from the right and Ryan McRitchie bundled the rebound into the net from close range.

Clach almost went straight back in front, but McCarthy made a terrific stop to turn away Anderson’s angled drive, while late on, sub Cohen Ramsay’s clearing header denied Anderson a certain winner.

However, in extra-time Forres looked the more potent attacking force and they grabbed the winner in the 108th minute.

Sub Kaiden Connolly crossed from the right and after Frame’s initial strike had been blocked by Ridgers, his follow-up effort hit Clach captain Harry Nicolson and went wide.

Referee David Alexander initially awarded a corner, but changed his decision to a penalty after advice from assistant Daniel Jack, and sent Nicolson off for handball which prevented a goal being scored.

Frame then lashed the spot-kick into the top left corner and Forres held firm in the closing stages, despite goalkeeper McCarthy suffering a hand injury and having to be replaced by Michael Miele in the dying embers.

MacDonald hails players for doing it when it mattered

This is a first trophy for Forres manager Steven MacDonald, who helped the Can-Cans win the Highland League Cup as a player in 1999 and 2001, since his appointment in January 2022.

He lauded the character of his side and added: “The boys did so well, I’m just pleased for everyone.

“The goal just before half-time was crucial, it gave us a lift and meant we were within touching distance.

“We’ve struggled at times when we go behind and it’s a confidence thing. So to come back from two down is huge and it should give us so much belief.

“We did it on a big stage and it’s important because a lot of the boys haven’t won trophies before. It should give them a lot of belief going forward.

“It’s very important to win something again because it’s been a long time for Forres.

“It means a lot given the effort everyone puts in behind the scenes, it’s not easy but these sort of days are nice for everyone and I’m delighted for everyone.”

Gethins wants to strengthen after painful loss

Conor Gethins suggested changes may be required to bring silverware back to Clachnacuddin after they missed out on the North of Scotland Cup.

The Lilywhites, who haven’t won a trophy since 2014 and haven’t won this competition since September 2001, let a two-goal lead slip in the final against Forres Mechanics.

Gethins was named manager in October 2023 and led Clach to the North Cup final last season, which they lost to Brora Rangers, as well as a sixth-placed finish in the Breedon Highland League last term.

The Irishman was bitterly disappointed with how this final panned out.

Gethins said: “It’s very, very frustrating. We were in control in the first half (at 2-0 up) and the goal before half-time knocks the stuffing out of you a bit.

“But it’s unacceptable for me because we should still be able to come out in the second half and continue what we were doing.

“Forres came out in the second half and they showed great energy and pace, they hurt us and they deserved to win the game.

“We said to keep doing what they were doing, but it fell on deaf ears. I thought a lot of us hid and I’m very disappointed.

“Maybe I’ve taken it so far and I can’t go any further unless I get help.

“Certain boys aren’t up to it, I’ve got players in mind that will make a huge difference.

“I need help, we’ll see if I get it or not, my contract’s up at the end of the season and we’ll take it from there.”

Penalty problem

Gethins was also annoyed by referee David Alexander’s handling of the penalty incident for Forres’ winning goal.

Calum Frame was able to take the spot-kick before Clach captain Harry Nicolson had left the pitch after being sent off, with IFAB’s laws of the game stating a dismissed player must have left the field before play can restart.

Gethins added: “I know David and I’m sorry, but it was a very amateurish performance.

“It took 10 seconds to make the decision when it should be instant, he then red cards Josh Meekings, but hasn’t got a clue and Harry Nicolson gets the red card.

“When the penalty hits the net Harry is still 30 yards away from walking off the pitch.

“That can’t happen and it shouldn’t happen.”

Lossiemouth 2-0 Rothes

Lossiemouth made it three matches unbeaten in the Highland League with victory against Rothes at Grant Park.

Owen Loveland and Liam Harvey scored in either half for the Coasters and the result leaves the Speysiders eight points adrift at the foot of the table.

Fraserburgh 2-2 Buckie Thistle

Fraserburgh and Buckie Thistle shared the spoils at Bellslea.

Darryl McHardy penalty, after Andy Reid had fouled Fin Allen, put the Jags ahead, but the Broch responded with counters from Fraser Stewart and Scott Barbour.

However, Aaron Cummings’ second half effort ensured it finished all square.

Banks o’ Dee 1-0 Inverurie Locos

Banks o’ Dee’s good run continued with Max Alexander’s late goal earning them the points against Inverurie Locos at Spain Park.

Huntly 1-2 Formartine United

With Brora Rangers not in action Formartine United moved to the stop of the Breedon Highland League thanks to a dramatic win against Huntly at Christie Park.

Tyler Mykyta and Matthew Wallace traded goals in the first period and when it looked like it may just finish level, Michael Dangana popped up with the winner for the Pitmedden side against his former club.

Brechin City 5-1 Wick Academy

Brechin City are a point behind Formartine at the summit after beating Wick Academy at Glebe Park.

The Scorries fielded Szymon Rebilas, who joined on an emergency loan from Inverness Caledonian Thistle in goal, but he couldn’t stop Mitch Taylor and Ben Armour scoring for the Hedgemen in the first half.

After the break Armour and Cillian Sheridan netted, Owen Rendall got a consolation for Academy and Grady McGrath’s penalty completed the scoring.

Keith 0-0 Turriff United

Keith and Turriff United couldn’t be separated at Kynoch Park.

The Maroons did have a numerical advantage for the last 25 minutes after Turra goalie Lee Herbert was sent off, but they were unable to make it count.

Strathspey Thistle 3-4 Nairn County

Wayne Mackintosh praised Nairn County’s character and super-sub Ben Barron after they came from behind to beat Strathspey Thistle 4-3 in a rollercoaster encounter at Seafield Park.

Wee County striker Barron was benched by manager Mackintosh, but came on in the second half and netted their equaliser, before creating the winner for Paul Brindle.

Mackintosh said: “In the first half we were poor. Strathspey had more desire and wanted to get on the ball, they won first and second balls, got players forward and caused us problems.

“I told the players at half-time we needed a reaction and a bit of character. We got that and the last half hour was night and day compared with the rest of the game.

“I felt that the ball hadn’t been sticking up front and I said that to Ben.

“I always tell the boys why they’re not playing and I also said to him to prove me wrong and he certainly did that with the performance when he came on.”

Nairn took the lead in the 18th minute when Gary Pullen’s effort was turned into the net by Brindle.

Within two minutes Strathspey equalised as Zach MacPhee’s free-kick was dropped by goalkeeper Lewis Munro, which allowed Josh Race to score.

Jamie Carnihan and Millar Gamble then both hit the crossbar in quick succession for Nairn, before the hosts went ahead on 25 minutes when Filip Franczak finished following good work from Calum Brown.

Shortly after the Grantown Jags made it 3-1 when Shaun Morrison broke through on goal and neatly found the net.

Before the break Strathspey were also calling for County captain Fraser Dingwall to be sent off for a sliding challenge which caught George Robesten, but referee Scott Leslie opted for a yellow card.

County mount comeback

Nairn then rallied, Dingwall scored from Calum Mackay’s corner after an hour and soon after Barron’s header restored parity.

Jamie Calder and Matthew Wright passed up glorious chances for Strathspey after that and Nairn’s winner arrived in the 78th minute when Barron burst down the left before setting up Brindle to net.

Late on Brindle was sent off, he received a second booking for kicking the ball away.

Strathspey manager Ryan Esson said: “We played really well in the first half.

“However, we’re too open, when you’re 3-1 up at half-time you need to be disciplined and our game management needs to be better.

“But I also think Fraser Dingwall should be sent off, it was reckless and he could have broken George’s leg.

“It’s a big decision and I think both teams were disappointed with the performance of the referee.”

[Source: Press and Journal]