NAIRN County are just five points behind Highland League leaders Forres Mechanics after Friday’s 2-1 victory for Les Fridge’s side against the Can Cans at Station Park.
Forres are still in a strong position, sitting two points ahead of Cove Rangers, with two games in hand over Cove and Nairn.
However, this win for Nairn keeps alive their slim hopes of pushing back into title contention.
Just seven nights previously, Forres ran out four-goal winners against Nairn, but this result was sweet revenge as Steven Mackay and Steven Ellis found the net.
The opener came two minutes before the break when Mackay knocked home a delivery from Conor Gethins, whose pace took him clear of the visitors’ defence.
Nairn added a second goal on 70 minutes when Ellis finished well when he connected with a cross from Wayne Mackintish.
Former Nairn midfielder Willie Barron scored a late consolation for Forres, but Nairn held on for victory.
Deveronvale dished out revenge to champions Buckie Thistle on Friday as they struck back from the derby defeat on December 23 to win 3-2 in Banff, while Inverurie Locos made it two wins within a week against Huntly, with Friday’s 3-1 success following on from their 4-0 rout away to the Black and Golds.
Keith posted their second win within seven days against Lossiemouth. Friday’s 4-2 victory came hot on their heels of their 3-0 home success against Lossie.
Turriff United, who lost 2-1 at Formartine United on December 23, hit back when Formartine came calling on Friday as they earned a 2-0 home win.
Three of Friday’s fixtures were postponed due to the weather – they were Fort William v Clach, Strathspey Thistle v Rothes and Wick Academy v Brora Rangers.
On Saturday, Cove Rangers remained in second spot thanks to their impressive 3-0 win at Fraserburgh.
