Match Report - By Cain Lindsay

City concluded their maiden Highland League campaign with an 11th consecutive win after a comfortable 3-0 win at Lossiemouth. Goals from both local lads Marc Scott and Michael Cruickshank either side of a Cammie Ross header earned the win at a sun-kissed Grant Park.

Andy Kirk opted for just two changes to the side which struck five past Fort William one week prior. David Cox returned to the starting eleven with the top goalscorer award in his sights and Jordan Northcott was welcomed back for his final appearance during the successful loan spell.

City started the brighter of the two sides and had a terrific opportunity to open the scoring just six minutes in when Cammie Ross slipped the ball into Kieran Inglis’ path at the edge of the box but the forwards effort soared over the bar.

Less than ten minutes later and City did break the deadlock. Jordan Northcott justified his inclusion in the side when he spread a fantastic ball over the Lossiemouth midfield into Marc Scott’s feet. Just inside the penalty area MARC SCOTT cut inside onto his left foot and watched his strike deflect beyond Logan Ross in the Lossiemouth goal for a century of league goals this season for City.

Although Andy Kirk’s side began to take control of the game following the opener goal scoring opportunities were limited. With 36 minutes on the clock City doubled their advantage. Kieran Inglis whipped in a dangerous corner and amidst a crowded penalty area CAMMIE ROSS rose highest to nod it in.

The hosts came out for the second half with a lot more urgency and an hour into affairs they finally produced a couple of opportunities. Connor Macaulay fashioned some room at the edge of the box before having a pop at goal but his effort was blocked and sent wide for a corner. Macaulay appeared adamant his strike had skimmed off a Brechin hand, but Referee Kevin Buchanan was having none of the Lossiemouth penalty appeals. Moments later Lossiemouth forward Ryan Farquhar lined up a shot at goal but leaning back his shot flew over Jack Wills’ goal. Lossiemouth’s promising period faded away following their two quick-fire chances.

For the final 15 minutes City threatened a third. David Cox, as he’s done all season, used his strength to fend off his man then released Marc Scott to his right but he couldn’t find the target and blasted his effort high and wide.

Julian Wade entered the field of play with 69 minutes played and made an immediate impact. Chasing the ball down the right wing ‘Juju’ bent a cross along the face of goal and MICHAEL CRUICKSHANK was lurking to tap in his third goal in four games.

The game petered out at 3-0 despite Cruickshank almost finding a second late on. Julian Wade’s pass to David Cox was blocked off and the rebound sat kindly for Michael Cruickshank but he couldn’t keep his lobbed effort down.

Neither David Cox or Marc Scott could pip the other to become outright top goalscorer but the pair ended the campaign with 18 goals a piece. City end the season in terrific form with 11 consecutive wins and will hope that they can continue this run into 2022/23. With a healthy contingent of the side signed up for next season, and a year of Highland League experience under their belt, City will look to mount a title bid yet again.