Nairn County Secures Third Straight Win with 4-0 Triumph Over Rothes

Nairn County celebrated their third consecutive victory in the Breedon Highland League, defeating Rothes 4-0 at Station Park. Goals from Ben Barron, Andrew Greig, Calum MacKay, and Angus Dey highlighted the home team’s dominant performance. This win marks the first time Nairn has achieved three straight victories since November 2023, with a strong home record contributing to their success, earning 13 points from a potential 18 at Station Park. In contrast, Rothes continues to struggle, remaining winless this season with their last victory dating back to November 2, 2022.

Early in the match, Nairn displayed their attacking intent. MacKay’s free-kicks from the left side posed a challenge for Rothes’ defense, with the first narrowly missing the target and the second saved by goalkeeper Stewart Black. Despite Nairn’s pressure, it was Rothes who managed to force a save from home goalkeeper Lewis Munro, who turned away a free-kick from Thomas Brady from 25 yards.

Nairn broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when Sam Gordon maneuvered in from the right and delivered a cross-cum-shot that Barron tapped in from close range. Rothes’ claims for offside were dismissed by the officials. Shortly after, Black came off his line to halt another Nairn attack, while Rothes captain Brodie Mitchell fired over from distance.

Just before halftime, Nairn extended their lead to 2-0. A delivery from the right by Jamie Carnihan found Greig at the back post. Greig’s deft touch allowed him to evade defender Robbie Lean before he finished with his left foot into the bottom corner.

As the second half commenced, Rothes needed an early goal to reignite their hopes. However, Nairn continued to dominate play. In the 58th minute, Greig supplied a cross for MacKay, who headed in the third goal, further solidifying Nairn’s control of the match. Rothes’ best chance came shortly after when Owen Alexander‘s long ball found Ruairi Duncan, whose shot was brilliantly saved by Munro, and the rebound went wide off substitute Ross Logan.

Nairn added their fourth goal in the 68th minute as Dey showcased his pace, weaving through challenges before unleashing a powerful shot into the top corner from the edge of the area. While the match outcome was no longer in doubt, both teams had opportunities in the final moments. Greig attempted a free-kick from 20 yards, while Nairn’s substitute Ben Kelly shot wide from inside the box. For Rothes, a cross from Thomson was inadvertently sliced over the bar by County defender Callum Maclean, and Thomson later struck the side-netting from the left.

In other Highland League matches, Formartine United secured a 3-1 victory against Buckie Thistle, thanks to a hat-trick from Hamish Ritchie, while Clachnacuddin and Deveronvale shared the points in a 1-1 draw. Huntly managed to halt a four-match losing streak with a 1-1 draw against Banks o’ Dee. In further results, Fraserburgh triumphed over Keith with a 2-0 scoreline, and Inverurie Locos defeated Lossiemouth by the same margin.

In the Highland League Cup, Brora Rangers advanced with a commanding 6-0 win against Strathspey Thistle, building on their midweek victory. Shane Sutherland scored twice, complemented by goals from Craig MacKenzie, Alex Cooper, Robbie Thompson, and Aidan Wilson. Similarly, Forres Mechanics progressed with a 6-0 victory over Wick Academy, with Calum Frame netting a hat-trick.

As the Highland League season unfolds, Nairn County’s impressive form positions them well for upcoming challenges, while Rothes seeks to break their losing streak in future matches.