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Manager says Nairn County face a fight against relegation from Highland League


By Will Clark

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MANAGER Ronnie Sharp says Nairn County are facing a battle against relegation from the Highland League after being held to a 3–3 draw by Fort William at Station Park.

Lossie's Connor Macauley is stuck in a County sandwich...Nairn County FC (2) vs Lossiemouth FC (4) - North of Scotland Cup first round - Station Park, Nairn 28/07/2021...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Lossie's Connor Macauley is stuck in a County sandwich...Nairn County FC (2) vs Lossiemouth FC (4) - North of Scotland Cup first round - Station Park, Nairn 28/07/2021...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Nairn have only won once this season and are in 15th place, only five points ahead of Fort William at the foot of the table.

The hosts were 3–1 in front at half time on Wednesday, but suffered a second half collapse as Fort William fought back to level and had chances to win the match in the closing stages.

Relegation has been introduced to the Highland League this season, with the bottom side facing a play-off against winners from the North Caledonian League, North Super League and Midlands League.

Sharp says after Wednesday night and the campaign as a whole, Nairn County have to realise this season is all about survival and remaining in the Highland League.

“At the moment, we are in a relegation battle,” admitted Sharp.

“The way Fort William played I think that they can only improve.

“They have played well in most of the games they have played.

“That means that we have to up our game and at the moment, we can’t do that.”

Nairn County took the lead through Rory Williamson after seven minutes and doubled their advantage with a John Treasurer strike after 16 minutes.

Fort William pulled one back through Robbie Foster five minutes before the break, but Ben Williamson restored Nairn’s two goal advantage on the stroke of half time.

But Fort William stormed back in the second half to level the game.

Nairn County have failed to win at home in the Highland League this season, although beat Strathspey Thistle in the Scottish Cup, and have a tough task tomorrow when they welcome Inverurie Locos to Station Park.

Sharp says he can’t put his finger on why their form at home has been so poor.

“We don’t seem to have the energy that we used to have,” he said.

“We used to be really strong in the second half of games and we have been ahead in most home games, including Fraserburgh and Lossiemouth.

“But we can’t seem to see them out.”


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