Match Report - By Steven Mew

City returned to winning ways in the Highland League as first half goals from Fraser MacLeod, Dayle Robertson and Ewan Loudon earned victory over Formartine United.

Manager Patrick Cregg opted to go with the same starting 11 that defeated Huntly in the Scottish Cup last time out, with Craig Tosh also returning to the matchday squad.

It was a blistering start from City as Dayle Robertson fired over after 3 minutes, before they opened the scoring just a minute later. A low cross into the box from Ewan Loudon found FRASER MACLEOD inside the box and although his initial effort was blocked, he bundled home the rebound.

Things got even better for Patrick Cregg’s men as they doubled the advantage with just 10 minutes on the clock. Fraser Macleod’s strike was deflected into the path of DAYLE ROBERTSON who fired a shot low into the corner for his 16th goal of the season.

The visitors looked for a response with former City man Julian Wade getting goal-side of Brad McKay but his shot across the face of goal had no takers before Graeme Rodger headed over from a left sided cross.

Wade threatened again for Formartine on 19 minutes when he met a cross at the back post but his volley was kept out at the near post by Wilson. Almost immediately up at the other end, Marc Scott burst clear on the counter attack before his strike was pushed away by MacDonald.

Dayle Robertson sent a dipping volley wide for City and shortly before the half hour mark, a slack back-pass from Seth Patrick very nearly gifted an opportunity to Julian Wade however Lenny Wilson was out quickly to avert the danger and win a free kick in the process.

The visitors reduced the deficit on 34 minutes when an excellent delivery from Julian Wade on the right hand side found AARON NORRIS who converted from close range despite Lenny Wilson getting a hand to it.

City fought back with Seth Patrick having a powerful strike blocked for a corner, which had been cleared only as far as Brad McKay who shot over.

Five minutes before the break, City restored their two-goal advantage when a low cross from Fraser Macleod down the right hand side found EWAN LOUDON who stroked into the corner to break into double figures for the season.

City were certainly finishing the first half strongly and it could have been four when Spencer Moreland’s volley at the near post went just wide.

Seven minutes into the second half, Spencer Moreland teed up Ewan Loudon inside the box but he saw his shot saved by the feet of MacDonald and Dayle Robertson saw his follow up blocked by a defender. A minute later, Marc Scott’s cross found its way to Moreland who saw his shot from inside the box diverted wide.

There was a scare for City just before the hour mark when a curling effort from Tyler Mykyta rattled the top of the crossbar.

Another chance fell City’s way on 61 minutes when Spencer Moreland won the ball down the left hand side of the box and Brad McKay was unlucky not to connect with the low ball in front of goal.

City continued chasing a 4th goal which would have ended the game as a contest – Ewan Loudon fired a shot narrowly wide whilst two dangerous balls in from Spencer Moreland and Fraser Macleod were cut out by the visitors defence.

Formartine enjoyed plenty of possession in City’s half late on, but they were unable to create any real clear-cut chances with Brad McKay in particular outstanding in the defence.

There is another break from league action next weekend, as City host Inverurie Locos in the 1st round of the Highland League Cup.

Other Results - Breedon Highland League

Banks O' Dee 0 Brora Rangers 2

Buckie Thistle 2 Lossiemouth 1

Clachnacuddin 4 Forres Mechanics 2

Inverurie Locos 2 Huntly 3

Keith 3 Deveronvale 2

Nairn County 3 Wick Academy 0

Rothes 3 Turriff United 2

Strathspey Thistle 2 Fraserburgh 2