Nairn County reach Highland League Cup final after victory over Turriff United
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NAIRN County have lined up a Breedon Aggregates Highland League Cup final next month against Brora Rangers following their 2-0 semi win against Turriff United on Saturday.
Les Fridge's side, who were beaten by Wick Academy in this season's North of Scotland Cup final, will take on Brora on April 9 at Clach's Grant Street Park in Inverness.
Despite having several players unavailable, Nairn rose to the challenge to see off the threat of Turriff with goals from Conor Gethins and Sam Urquhart.
Brora booked their place in the final thanks to a penalty shoot-out win against holders Cove Rangers at Dudgeon Park.
Martin Maclean twice gave the hosts the lead but Cove hit back with goals from Blair Yule and Eric Watson for it to finish 2-2.
The hero was goalkeeper Steve Martin who saved a spot-kick from Stuart Duff as Brora were 3-1 winners in the shoot-out to earn their crack at Nairn in the final.
Six games beat the weather at the weekend in the Highland League.
It didn't go to plan, however, for Clach as they lost 4-1 at Fraserburgh.
Yet it took two late goals from Dean Cowie to see off the threat from the Inverness team, who were more than holding their own.
Willie West got Broch off to a flying start when he scored in the opening minute.
A string of fine saves from Clach keeper Aiden MacDonald kept the Lilies in it and captain Gordon Morrison equalised for Iain Polworth's side.
Russell McBride restored Fraserburgh's advantage early in the second half.
David McGurk was sent off for Clach for a second bookable offence with five minutes to go then Cowie scored his late brace to add gloss to the scoreline.
Formartine United moved to within one point of second-placed Cove Rangers thanks to a 3-2 win at Keith, Forres Mechanics hit five without reply at basement side Rothes, Wick Academy beat fourth-placed Inverurie Locos 4-2 at Harmsworth Park and it finished goalless between Strathspey Thistle and Deveronvale.
Fort William's fixture at home to Huntly was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Claggan Park.
Therefore, a rearranged league game saw Buckie Thistle win 4-1 at Huntly on Saturday afternoon.
