Nairn County Secures 4-0 Victory Over Rothes in Highland League

Nairn County achieved a commanding 4-0 victory over Rothes in the Breedon Highland League, marking their third consecutive win. The match took place at Station Park, where goals from Ben Barron, Andrew Greig, Calum MacKay, and Angus Dey secured a decisive result for the home side. This win is particularly significant as it represents Nairn’s first three-match winning streak since November 2023, underscoring their impressive home form this season.

Nairn’s success at Station Park is notable, with 13 points accumulated from a possible 18 thus far. In contrast, Rothes continues to struggle, remaining winless this season with their last victory dating back to November 2 of the previous year.

Match Highlights

The match began with Nairn applying early pressure, showcasing their attacking intent. MacKay’s free-kicks tested Rothes goalkeeper Stewart Black, with one drifting just wide and the other being tipped over the bar. Nairn missed a prime opportunity to score when Sam Gordon‘s cross found MacKay, who headed wide when he should have hit the target.

Rothes managed to create a chance as well, forcing Nairn’s goalkeeper Lewis Munro to save a free-kick from Thomas Brady from 25 yards out. Nairn finally broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. Gordon maneuvered in from the right and delivered a cross-cum-shot that Barron touched in from close range, despite Rothes’ claims for offside being dismissed.

Just before halftime, Nairn doubled their lead. A delivery from the right by Jamie Carnihan found Greig, whose deft touch allowed him to finish left-footed into the bottom right corner.

Second Half Dynamics

As the second half commenced, Rothes needed an early goal to stay competitive. However, Nairn maintained their dominance. In the 58th minute, MacKay scored the third goal, heading home a cross from Greig, which left Rothes’ defense exposed.

Rothes had their best chance shortly thereafter. A long ball from Owen Alexander released Ruairi Duncan, whose shot was brilliantly saved by Munro. The rebound fell to substitute Ross Logan, but he could not convert.

Nairn struck again in the 68th minute when Dey, displaying skill and determination, surged forward and finished excellently from the edge of the area. The match, effectively decided, saw both teams create further opportunities. Greig’s free-kick went close, while Rothes’ Thomson produced a cross that was sliced over the bar by defender Callum Maclean.

This impressive win for Nairn County not only highlights their current form but also contributes to the ongoing excitement of the Highland League season.

In other matches, Formartine United secured a 3-1 victory over Buckie Thistle, driven by a hat-trick from Hamish Ritchie. This result places Formartine just three points behind league leaders Brora Rangers, who did not compete in league action this week.

Additionally, Clachnacuddin and Deveronvale ended in a 1-1 draw, while Huntly managed a similar scoreline against Banks o’ Dee to snap a four-match losing streak. Fraserburgh continued their winning streak, securing a 2-0 victory over Keith, and Inverurie Locos also recorded a 2-0 win against Lossiemouth.

In the Highland League Cup, Brora Rangers advanced with a dominant 6-0 victory over Strathspey Thistle, while Forres Mechanics also cruised to a 6-0 win against Wick Academy, showcasing their offensive prowess with multiple standout performances.