Buckie Thistle manager Graeme Stewart was happy with the points but not the performance of the team during the 2-1 win against Nairn County.
Stewart said: “I was really impressed with Nairn, the difference in how they played against us three months ago at Station Park and in this game was amazing. They kept pressing us all over the pitch and looked really fit and well-drilled.
“We had chances to put the game away earlier but I’m going to claim an assist for our opener as I told Kevin Fraser before the game just how to play that short corner, and it worked.”
Looking ahead to next weekend’s tricky trip to Forres Mechanics, Stewart added: “A trip to Mosset Park is never easy, we always find it tough against Forres, even in the days when I was playing.
“We beat them here earlier in the season but there was never really three goals between the sides that day, so I am expecting another very tight game.”
Nairn County manager Ronnie Sharp was proud of his players for pushing the league leaders all the way.
Sharp said: “We played well but we have been playing well in most games this season.
“We lacked a little bit of composure in the first half, and perhaps there was a little bit of a lack of communication between the players, but in the second half we took the game to them, even with only 10 men.
“Their first goal was a little fortunate as Dylan Maclean certainly had the first shot covered but when Callum Maclean attempted to clear the ball unfortunately it landed in the corner of our net.
“We were still in the game at half time and in the second half we kept the ball better. We wanted to put them under pressure and we did, and Wayne Mackintosh’s equaliser was a well-worked goal.”
Sharp was quick to praise goalkeeper, Maclean, and added: “He did really well and has done all season. He’s working hard with goalkeeper coach Michael Rae and he’s really coming on.”