Forres got a break from Highland League duties to face Bonnyrigg Rose in the 1st round of the Scottish Cup – the draw could’ve been kinder to the Cans as the opposition are top of the Lowland League and in great form.
The visitors started brightly and really took the game to the home side. Forres’ chances were kept to a premium with Lee Fraser’s blocked shot and Stuart Soane’s header into the side-netting from the resultant Robbie Duncanson corner being the closest they came.
Mechanics continued to stand firm and Stuart Knight made a good one-handed save to keep out a strike from just outside the penalty box. Bonnyrigg were almost gifted a goal when a defensive mix-up resulted in Ruari Fraser getting back to clear the danger.
Forres couldn’t hold out though and the visitors took the lead after 33 minutes when Kieran McGachie was on hand to score from close range.
HT: 0 – 1
Forres started the second half brightly and saw Lee Fraser exchange passes with Robbie Duncanson before testing goalkeeper Michael Andrews with a shot from 25 yards.
Then Lee Fraser latched onto a loose touch but scuffed a left-footed effort from the edge of the area straight at Andrews.
Paul Brindle created another chance when he dribbled into the box and his low cross was flicked on by Thomas Brady at the front post, but the keeper cleared the danger.
Bonnyrigg remained a threat and hit the crossbar midway through the second half and had another chance cleared off the line by Ruari Fraser.
Tom Brady then showed great footwork on the right creating space, but his clipped cross evaded everyone in the area.
The Cans battled on but as they pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Bonnyrigg netted their second in injury-time when George Hunter scored after a counter-attack.