Formartine United claimed the Highland League points against Fraserburgh to make it a successful Bellslea dress rehearsal for them before this weekend’s Highland League Cup final at the same ground.
Jamie Masson clinched the points for United with a 20th-minute goal to sink Broch.
A warm welcome is generally bestowed to former Fraserburgh favourite Kris Hunter when he goes back to his old place and, on this occasion, Russell McBride made his first return since leaving the Buchan club recently
Hunter said: “You expect to have to soak up pressure at Bellslea and we did it well. I don’t think they troubled us apart from high balls.
“It was a scrappy game on a fiery pitch. To get a win at Fraserburgh is very hard as they don’t lose too many games at home.
“We’ve now beaten them twice in the league this season and I’ve got to give credit to my players, who have had a hard three weeks with all the travelling and midweek fixtures
“It was great defending from us. Our work ethic is second to none. The players will get a light Monday night session before really getting down to full preparation for the big game.”
Fraserburgh manager Mark Cowie said: “I’m always disappointed about losing a game but I think this time the better team lost. We all know what our former captain Russell McBride can do, he mopped up everything and won all the balls in the air.
“There’s just little touches needed to improve. I’m proud of the run we’re on and the way we’re finishing the season. It was just one of those days when nothing dropped for us.”
After an early spell of sparring the Pitmedden men scored, Jamie Masson’s curled free kick from 25 yards deceiving Peter Tait, who could only push the ball over his own line instead of out for a corner.
In the final 10 minutes Formartine substitute Conor Gethins fired a sweet strike off the post.
