Buckie Thistle manager Graeme Stewart reckons there will be many more twists and turns in this season’s Highland League title chase.
Saturday’s results at the top of the table were un-expected with three of the leading four teams dropping points.
The only exception was Brora Rangers, who moved back to the top of the league after defeating Turriff United 2-1 at Dudgeon Park.
Bottom club Fort William scared the daylights out of fourth-placed side Formartine United in a 1-1 draw at Claggan Park, while long-time league leaders Buckie lost 3-2 at Forres Mechanics in what was only the Jags’ second defeat of the season.
Meanwhile, Ryan Cowie’s late free kick earned Fraserburgh a 2-2 draw against champions Cove Rangers at Bellslea.
Stewart said: “Those results show just what the Highland League is all about.
“Yes, it was frustrating for us to go down 3-2 at Forres, but I’m happy the other leading teams, bar Brora, were not able to get the win.
“Despite losing at Forres it didn’t really feel as though it was that much of a missed opportunity.
“Every team is going to drop points between now and the end of the season.
“At this time of the year the pitches start to become a bit more level, as does the weather, so results such as Saturday’s need to be put into context.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s Victoria Park match against Cove, who the Jags beat 3-2 at the beginning of the season, Stewart added: “It’s certainly not a title-decider but I told the players after Saturday that we now probably need to take something out of what has become a huge game for us.
“I want a win as we are at home, of course, so we need to work hard this week and make sure playing at home in front of a big crowd works to our advantage.”