Brora Rangers strengthened their grip in the race for the title in atrociously windy conditions at Seafield Park in Grantown.
A well-taken hat-trick by former Nairn County and Cove Rangers striker Jordan MacRae, making it five goals in the last two games, helped the Cattachs to victory.
Brora boss Steven Mackay said: “At this stage of the season it was important to pick up another three points in what could have been a tricky game, especially in the swirling wind which potentially could have been a bit of a leveller.
“The boys played really well.
“Their attitude and professionalism shone through and we were still trying to play football in spite of challenging conditions.
“Some of our play was really good to watch and we scored some great goals, so I am delighted with our afternoon’s work.
“We face Fraserburgh in a fortnight’s time, which will be a massive game for us both, but before that we will focus on our game against Keith next weekend.”
Jags boss Gordon Nicolson said: “We set out to try and keep ourselves in the game for as long as possible.
“If we’d been able to keep it tight you never know what might have happened, but Brora were very sharp.
“Their movement was very good and they were very slick on the ball, so we just couldn’t get a grip on the game.”
Brora opened the scoring when Paul Brindle set up MacRae and Bjorn Wagenaar doubled the lead with a blistering 30-yard drive into the corner of the net.
MacRae notched his second of the afternoon with a tap-in from a James Wallace feed, then Wallace was again the provider, cutting the ball back for Martin Maclean to get on the scoresheet.
With 25 minutes left, MacRae completed his hat-trick, before Strathspey gained a crumb of comfort five minutes later with a Scott Morrison lob from just inside his own half which caught the wind and completely deceived Joe Malin in the Brora goal.