Cove Rangers powered to victory against Fraserburgh at Bellslea Park despite their manager missing the game.
Allan Park manager John Sheran was delayed on his return home from a trip to the Middle East, leaving coaches Graeme Mathieson and Roy McBain in charge.
Two second-half goals from Jonny Smith proved the difference as Cove recorded an impressive victory in Buchan.
McBain said: “You always get a tough game at Fraserburgh, so I am delighted with the performance and getting the three points.
“We had a few chances in the first half and they just weren’t dropping in for us, but eventually we took them and in the end it was a good result.
“John was meant to be back but something happened with his flights and he couldn’t make it to the game. Graeme and I have taken the team before though so there was no problem there.”
Fraserburgh were missing several key players, with Russell McBride, Scott Barbour and Courtney Cooper all suspended.
Broch manager Kris Hunter admitted the loss of that influential trio was a big blow to his side.
He said: “It was difficult going into the game with the players we were missing.
“But we were short of quality all over park. It just wasn’t good enough and we just didn’t do enough.
“We can’t afford to be missing that sort of quality and Cove have quality in abundance.
“We couldn’t match them on the day.
“It wasn’t a good performance and we got what we deserved.”
Fraserburgh took the lead in the 13th minute after Eric Watson was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area.
John Chalmers took the resultant spot kick and although his initial effort was saved by Sandy Wood, he slotted in the rebound.
Cove equalised soon afterwards as Jamie McAllister directed a header from Stuart Duff’s cross past Broch goalkeeper Scott Cowe.
Cove secured victory with two quickfire goals early in the second half from Smith.
In the 50th minute the forward turned home a shot after a goalmouth scramble, then shortly afterwards he saw his free kick take a deflection off Willie West on its way into the net.
Fraserburgh ended the game with 10 men after the late dismissal of Ryan Christie for lashing out at Watson.
Three of Saturday’s Press and Journal Highland League matches were called off.
Wick Academy’s derby with Brora Rangers was postponed as Harmsworth Park was waterlogged, while Huntly’s local encounter against Keith and the derby between Inverurie Locos and Formartine United were shelved due to frozen pitches.