Two see red as Nairn County crash at Wick Academy
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
NAIRN County let a lead slip as they finished with nine men and a 2-1 Highland League loss at Wick Academy on Saturday.
Nairn won their opening game of the season against Inverurie Locos, while Wick were turned over by Clach, so both had their own reasons for seeking three points in this clash.
Summer signing Tony Wallace fired Nairn in front as he beat two markers and drilled his shot beyond goalkeeper Sean McCarthy.
The visitors though were soon a man down as stand-in skipper Robbie Duncanson, who had been booked earlier for dissent, picked up a second yellow card for a late challenge on Sam Mackay.
Wick came back into it and drew level early in the second half when Mackay's cross from the left was knocked home by Davie Allan.
The Scorries were handed the chance to take the lead on 61 minutes when Steven Anderson was felled in the box by Glenn Main and a penalty was awarded.
Nairn goalkeeper Calum Antell was sent the wrong way as Richard Macadie guided the ball into the net for the winner.
The day got darker for Nairn as Antell was sent off late on for an illegal challenge on Allan who was through on goal.
Missed chances and costly errors cost Clach dearly as Deveronvale showed great character to hit back for a 2-1 Highland League win at Grant Street on Saturday.
The Lilywhites were looking to build on their stunning 3-0 opening day win and Wick but it wasn't to be for the Merkinchers.
Clach were the better side in the first half and took the lead after 27 minutes when Martin Callum headed home from close range.
However, Vale regrouped and equalised with a fine goal from Martin Charlesworth.
Ex-Turriff United striker Gary Harris made it four goals already for the season when he struck the winner in 67 minutes with a stylish finish.
Clach scorer Callum was sent off late on for retaliation to add to the home side's disappointment.
Fort William's rocky start to the season continued when they were hammered 6-0 by Forres Mechanics in the Highland League at the weekend.
Striker Lee Fraser demonstrated how important he is to the Can Cans with a terrific treble as Fort slid to their third competitive loss in as many games.
Fraser got up and running on 25 minutes when he headed Forres in front and he added to this 12 minutes later when he connected with a delivery from Dachi Khutsishvili.
Fort did have their chances in the first half but failed to take them and Forres taught them a lesson on finishing at Mosset Park.
An impressive solo effort early from Fraser in the second half made it 3-0 as he claimed his hat-trick.
Liam Baxter's penalty on 71 minutes kept the goals coming and substitute Paul Smith got in on the act before Baxter netted once more with four minutes to go.
The result of the weekend was champions Brora Rangers thrashing Rothes 11-0 at Dudgeon Park.
Steven Mackay was their main man with five goals as Richard Brittain's team clicked into action in sensational style to top the table after just two games.
Brora have been knocked out of the AJG Parcels North of Scotland Cup and the Petrofac Training Cup but with 14 goals in two league fixtures they look at their best already.
Keith made it two wins from two thanks to a 1-0 victory over Buckie Thistle, Turriff United are also on six points following their 2-0 triumph at Strathspey Thistle and Cove Rangers have also began their season perfectlyand they were 2-1 weekend winners at Huntly.
Formartine United, seen by many as Brora's most likely challengers, are already playing catch-up following their rollercoaster 4-3 derby defeat at Inverurie Locos.
Elsewhere, Lossiemouth beat Fraserburgh 2-1 for their first victory at Bellsea Park in a decade.
