It is difficult to assess Locos’ chances for 2015/16. Undoubtedly the “defection” of Andy Reid, Neil Gauld and Jamie Michie to Formartine United is not helpful.
However, Gauld was out injured for a large part of last season, Reid appeared to have lost enthusiasm, and Michie, fine player though he is, struggled to regain a place after his leg break. It’s not the end of the world.
Scott Mathieson has already shown he is a capable replacement in goal with some wonderful saves at Nairn last Saturday and, after a quiet start in pre-season, Colin Charlesworth is providing a pacey threat down the right.
With young players Mark Souter, Martin Laing, Ryan Keir, Daniel Crisp and Joe McCabe (who came on in extra-time against Buckie in mid-week and scored with two stinging shots) waiting in the wings, it will be an interesting season. I cannot see Locos winning the league, but they may represent a decent bet for the Cups.
Even the Nairn County supporters admitted that the better side lost the opening league match. Locos were short of forwards through unavailability and illness and, when David Ross retired after only 34 minutes, they were forced to play midfielder Neil McLean up front.
That is an area which requires addressing. However, the capture of Iain Vigurs as a “trialist” was an inspired move (even if only short-term) and, although he was a bit rusty at Nairn, he gave a relaxed and inspired performance, along with Neil McLean in midfield, in yesterday’s derby victory over Formartine. He was deservedly nominated as man-of-the-match.
And what a tremendous advertisement for the Highland League. Who would have predicted that all three former Locos’ players would not complete the game with Andy Reid sent off (last man offence), Neil Gauld sacrificed for the replacement Phil Anderson and Jamie Michie in turn sacrificed for Sam French – but only after he had done his stint in goal after Anderson was also red-carded for another last man offence. Four goalkeepers in one match must be some sort of team record!
Seven goals with the lead changing hands four times and nine-man Formartine mounting a late surge for an equaliser which they just failed to get.
That late surge was helped by Locos sitting too deep in the final stages. As they tried to hit Formartine on the break and score the “clincher”, they gave the ball away too easily and, by doing so, they were nearly the architects of their own downfall.
That is something else which will concern co-managers Scott Buchan and Kenny Coull. While Formartine will undoubtedly be very disappointed not to take at least a point, and rightly so, they at least know that they contributed to one of the most exciting and enjoyable matches seen for a while at Harlaw Park.