Keen to return to winning ways after a stale draw to local rivals Formartine, Inverurie Loco Works welcomed a capricious Lossiemouth side, who have struggled in the early stages of the season. Ex-Brechin city manager Gavin Price has been unofficially assisting the away side, who’s 4-0 away win at Keith on matchday 9 being their only win in 7 games.

Dean Donaldson refreshed the side with three changes, dropping captain Greg Mitchell, Lloyd Robertson and Daniel Agnew for Thomas Reid, Blair Smith and Aidan Wilson. Veteran Paul Coutts donned the armband, who has taken a more defensive role within Locos this season. Lossiemouth also make three changes after their home defeat to Nairn, swapping Brandon Hutcheson, Liam Archibald and Ross Archibald for Fergus Edwards, Connor Macauley and Ross Paterson.

Joel Kennedy would take charge of the match under a crisp autumnal sky, with Locos kicking off. Both sides eased into the game, with little action early on. Locos were comfortable on the ball, happy to bide their time until Calum Dingwall was unleashed down the left, picking out Aidan Wilson with a drilled cross who skilfully scooped the ball beyond Stuart Knight and into the top left corner. Lossiemouth tried to react but struggled to make use of their possession, with sole-striker Ryan Farquhar looking isolated in the Locos’ half.

Locos pressed on and gave Lossiemouth warning of their intent to play direct, with Nathan Meres splitting the defence before striking towards Knight, who saved comfortably. Moments after, Meres once again collected the ball from the midfield, and with a fortunate bounce over the defenders outstretched foot, slotted the ball home neatly, doubling the home advantage in the 25th minute. A signature backflip from Meres was appreciated by the Locos faithful, who sensed more goals were en route.

Lossiemouth were looking lost, despite orders from unofficial manager Gavin Price, who was unable to sit in the dugout. Locos showed no signs of easing off, and ended the first half with further attempts on goal, with Keeper Zack Ellis a spectator to the proceedings. Half time came and went, with a sole change for Lossie. Owen Loveland replaced Farquhar to offer something different up top. The away side managed a positive spell, but poor passing in the final third hampered Lossie’s forays forward, and Locos were able to soak up the pressure.

The biggest cheer of the half came on the hour, when Ross Paterson clattered into referee Joel Kennedy, who took an unfortunate tumble. There would be little else to entertain the Lossiemouth faithful in the closing stages, with Locos ramping up the pressure. The inevitable third came with 15 to play, after a Locos counter-attack fell to Lossie’s Stuart Knight, who could only hastily clear the ball as far as substitute Zane Laird. The midfielder powered into the box and was toppled by the keeper, with a penalty being awarded to little complaint from the away side. Coutts collected the ball and calmly placed the it beyond Knight in the bottom left corner. A dejected Lossie ploughed on, but Locos found time for one more goal to cap off a clinical performance. Duncan collected the ball from the left, found enough time to compose before firing his shot beyond the keeper from 20 yards.

Dean Donaldson will have little to complain about, with a fine display of attacking and composed defending allowing little chance for Lossiemouth. Gavin Price will find some positives with The Coasters, who defended well for periods, but lacked going forward and were blown away by superior opponent. With results elsewhere Locos rise to 3rd in the table, whilst Lossiemouth stay 16th. Next up for Locos is a trip north to Keith, and Lossiemouth welcome Fraserburgh.

Match Facts

Goals:

Locos	Lossiemouth
15′ Wilson
24′ Meres
75′ Coutts
90+1′ Duncan

Bookings:

Locos	Lossiemouth
57′ Meres	63′ Paterson
72′ Reid

Subs:

Locos	Lossiemouth
64′ Souter, Smith, Meres ↓ Agnew, Laird, Burnett ↑	46′ Farquhar↓ Loveland ↑
73′ Anderson ↓ Duncan ↑	72′ Macauley ↓ Christie ↑
77′ Wilson ↓ Skea ↑	85′ Kennedy ↓ Bellingham ↑