Match Report - By Steven Mew

City got the New Year off to an ideal start with a hard fought victory over an in-form Nairn County side yesterday afternoon to stretch 3 points clear at the Highland League summit.

Against an outfit that had won 10 of their previous 11 matches, City had to dig deep and show their battling qualities to come away from a tough venue with all 3 points.

After being out of action for three weeks due to postponements, Manager Gavin Price named the same starting 11 that defeated Huntly 5-0 last time out. There was also the welcome inclusion of recent signing Danny Handling to the subs bench, whilst striker Stuart Heenan also returned to the squad following a loan spell at Broughty Athletic.

In front of a healthy crowd, swelled by an excellent travelling support, City started brightly with Fraser MacLeod getting to the byline before cutting the ball back for Grady McGrath who saw his effort deflected wide at the near post.

On 9 minutes, the home side threatened when a corner from the left side was met by Callum MacLean but his looping header tipped over the bar by Jamie McCabe.

There were claims for a City penalty on 21 minutes when McGrath’s strike appeared to strike the arm of Alasdair Gillies. However the speed and close proximity of the strike meant that the referee correctly waved play on.

Shortly after the half hour mark, Grady McGrath collected a throw in from Marc Scott on the edge of the box. He produced a lovely pirouette to get past the defender, however his left footed strike lacked conviction and went straight into the arms of MacLean in the Nairn goal.

Three minutes from the break, there was a let off for City when Calum MacKay beat the offside trap to get in behind the defence but Jamie McCabe did supremely well to deny the Inverness CT loanee at his near post.

The last chance of the half fell to Kevin McHattie who let fly with a strike from 20 yards but it was straight at the goalkeeper.

Manager Gavin Price switched things up at half time with Hamish Thomson making his return from injury, taking the place of Ewan Murray.

Just a minute into the second half, City showed their intent with Fraser MacLeod lashing a strike wide before the all-important deadlock was broken on 49 minutes.

Fraser MacLeod flashed a corner into the danger area and skipper EUAN SPARK was in the right place to stab home from just a few yards out.

City could and probably should have doubled the advantage shortly after the restart when Marc Scott was played clean though on goal by Fraser MacLeod, however Dylan MacLean did well to push away his strike.

The visitors would come close again on 54 minutes when another corner from MacLeod found Ewan Loudon at the near post but flicked his header over the crossbar.

On 65 minutes, Grady McGrath collected a pass from Fraser MacLeod on the edge of the box and unleashed a rasping strike at goal but it was straight at MacLean.

A minute later, Danny Handling came on to make his debut for City as he replaced the hard-working Ewan Loudon.

With nine minutes remaining, the home side came agonisingly close to pulling themselves level when Calum MacKay smashed the crossbar from 10 yards. Meanwhile at the other end, Lewis Martin had a go from 20 yards but his strike was high and wide.

In the closing stages, Kevin McHattie went down with an injury but hobbled to the end as City saw out the game to record a crucial 3 points.

City are back at the Carnegie Fuels Stadium at Glebe Park next week, with Rothes the visitors for a 2pm kick off.

Other Results - Breedon Highland League

Clachnacuddin 1 Turriff United 5

Deveronvale 2 Fraserburgh 4

Huntly 1 Inverurie Locos 2

Wick Academy 0 Rothes 0