Hall Russell pick up three points at home for the first time this season in the 3-1 victory over Burghead Thistle. A Finlay McDonald brace- one either side of half time- and a Aedan gray header was enough for the home side to beat their Moray counterparts, who scored a consolation through James Fraser.

Under the scorching sun at Denmore Park, neither team managed to test the ‘keepers though Hall Russell had more of the ball and patiently waited for an opportunity. Their chance would come in the 20th minute, when pressure on the Burghead backline forced an error and let Innes Alexander play through McDonald, who drove his shot across goal and into the bottom right corner from a tight angle.

A quiet half followed where Boima Willie’s chance was the closest either team came to a goal, but the Hall Russell forward watched his chipped effort roll just wide of the Burghead post.

The second half brought more action, and it was in favour of the home side once again. A succession of shots from Willie forced Burghead ‘keeper Aiden MacDonald into action; making some important saves to keep the away side in the game. This would be short-lived however as two quickfire goals on the hour mark ended the competition.

Gray rose highest in a crowded Burghead box to meet Daniel Critchard’s cross, heading down and goalward to double Hall Russell’s lead, moments before McDonald got his second of the afternoon with a tidy chip over the ‘keeper after being played through on goal by Willie.

Burghead ploughed on and managed a deserved consolation, with an impressive long-ranged chip in the 70th minute from Fraser after Hall Russell ‘keeper Jake Davidson parried the ball towards him from a save.

McDonald pushed for a hattrick, and had the ball in the net though the referee pulled back for an offside. In the end a two goal cushion was enough for the home side as they saw the game out with ease.

Hall Russel climb to 4th in the North of Scotland Championship table, with a game in hand over the top three teams. Burghead slip to 9th and welcome Nairn St Ninian on Tuesday, whilst Hall Russel travel to Macduff to play table-toppers Deversonside.

Hall Russell manager Craig Carroll was happy with the three points, but thought some things ‘could be better’.