Background 

Some claim the Highland League is the best in the country. Given its recent ultra-competitiveness at the top and the mass of unique venues scattered across the Scottish Highlands, I’m starting to see their point. I visited Brechin City last weekend and loved the experience. I thought Glebe Park was a ‘proper old ground’ with so much about it. The Hedgemen currently lead the way in the division, three points ahead of closest challengers Fraserburgh. Only seven points separate the top four at the time of writing, and with Buckie Thistle’s two games in hand on the leaders, their advantage could be cut to a mere point. It is the definition of a tense title race. 

However, my attentions turn to a club a little further down the table. Celebrating their 140-year anniversary this year, Forres Mechanics have the title of the oldest senior club in the north of Scotland. The suffix ‘Mechanics’ is incredibly unique, with a few stories to justify its inclusion. The most popular reason resides in the fact that the first members of the club were all ‘mechanics’, simply meaning they worked in manual labour or were craftsmen. Thus, the name was secured.  

Despite being one of the founding members of the Highland League, Forres have limited success in the competitions, only lifting the trophy twice in their history. The first came in 1986, where they beat nearest challengers Elgin City to the title. The second and most recent arrived as recently as 2012, where a tense battle at the top of the league ended with the club pipping now SPFL side Cove Rangers to the title by a single point. It is a success that is held dearly by the Forres supporters.  

In recent years, it has been a little tricker for The Mechanics. After pulling out of the league for the COVID season, the club have finished 12^th and 11^th respectively in the years since. This year has seen the club sit in its lowest position for a while. After 29 games, the club are 15^th, five points behind Lossiemouth with two games in hand. It looks as though this season will be one of consolidation, with eyes for the 2024-25 season very much the focus.  

Today’s encounter sees The Can Cans take on 5^th place Formartine United – a tough task for the home team given both side’s league positions. Formartine won the reverse fixture 2-0 back in October, so the home side will at least be hoping to reap some revenge. Should be a good contest.  

Facilities 

Mosset Park lies close to the centre of town and stands gloriously alongside the main road into Forres. The prominent 500-seater capacity main stand is the main attraction and looks superb, particularly for this level. It provides a great viewpoint of the action as well as hosting the social club, hospitality and the food and drink hut within.  

The remainder of the ground is open, with a small grass embankment behind one of the goals. Not many spectators opted for this choice with the torrential rain in the first half, but you can imagine it being packed during the warmer months.  

Overall, I really like Mosset Park. The mixture of a more modern stand alongside a traditional open-plan arena allows for a variety of options to take in your football. Being in the heart of the Forres community, it will be a mainstay of the community for a long time. You’ll no doubt appreciate it if you ever visit. 3/5. 

Atmosphere 

I enjoyed the atmosphere at Mosset Park. There was a lovely mix of older, loyal supporters and younger bairns taking in their local team. It is clear how much the club means to these people, and it is class to see them come out in their droves. A few Formartine supporters made their way along for the match and were vocal when their team was in the ascendency. 2/5. 

Quality of the Match 

Forres kicked the match off as clear underdogs, and unfortunately for the hosts, it only took a couple minutes to show. Dominica internationalist Julian Wade received a pass, knocked it forward and shrugged off a few challenges to advance into the box. He slid the ball into the centre to teammate Paul Campbell, who smashed it into the roof of the net to give the visitors an early advantage. 

Formartine kept the pressure on, and with Matthew McLean’s long throws at their disposal, they were always a threat in the final third. One of these throws met the head of striker Aaron Reid, who was unlucky to only nod his effort over the bar.  

The Can Cans first half-chance fell to Benjamin Kelly. However, after an excellent run down the right, the Forres forward’s snapshot could only trundle into the arms of Formartine ‘keeper Cameron Middleton.  

Their second came a few minutes later. An excellent ball sent striker Calum Frame through on goal. He did have a lot of ground to cover though, allowing a few away defenders to catch up and put him off. After slipping, he did manage to get his shot off, only for it to be well blocked. 

After surviving this pressure, Formartine should have doubled their lead. Some excellent work by Julian Wade set up a golden opportunity for Lewis Duncan, but with the goal at his mercy he could only strike the ball well over the bar. 

Half Time: Forres Mechanics 0-1 Formartine United  

Formartine were definitely the better team in the first half without really being able to flex their abilities. However, this would change. A few minutes into the second period, Julian Wade found himself through on goal. His strike was well saved by Corey Paterson, but the rebound fell to Lewis Duncan. In a good-old scramble, Duncan’s shot was half-cleared off the line, only for Wade to follow it in. 0-2, and looking like game over. 

My suspicions were correct soon after. Once again, Julian Wade was sent through on goal. This time, the experienced striker made absolutely no mistake. He slotted the ball home incredibly well to put his side 3 goals ahead. 

To make matters worse for the hosts, the fourth was a pretty poor goal to concede. A somewhat unthreatening cross from the left was not dealt with by substitute Scot Docherty. The ball fell to Adam Emslie, whose left-footed strike was smashed into the net. 0-4. Game over.  

Full Time: Forres Mechanics 0-4 Formartine United 

Looking for an end to their winless run, this was a poor result and performance from the Can Cans. They didn’t appear to lay a glove on their opponents, who outbattled them in the midfield and took their chances very well. However, it does look as though it is a side made up of mostly young players, who will be gaining valuable first-team experience. Who knows, in a year or two this team could be back up challenging at the top end of the table.  

Formartine strolled this one and will be very happy to leave Forres with four goals and a clean sheet. I though Julian Wade was outstanding. He showed his invaluable experience with tremendous hold-up play, dribbling abilities and top-class finishing. It is clear to see he plays at an international level. 

Overall, I did enjoy this game as a neutral. I felt as though I was treated to some outstanding individual performances and excellent goals. I would have liked it to be a little more competitive, but I’m sure the majority of the supporters in Mosset Park also feel that way. I feel a 2.5/5 is fair. 

Pricing 

For this Highland League encounter, tickets stood at £10, with an extra £2 being required if you wanted access to the stand. For a fifth-tier match, this is pretty reasonable, considering the decent view you get from the Main Stand too. Food and drink were also well priced, with £4 getting you a pie and a couple of hot drinks. Can’t beat it. 5/5.  

Final Score 

Forres score a very decent 12.5/20. I am really enjoying exploring football in the Highlands, and I feel I am beginning to find some absolute gems. Forres Mechanics are a quality club steeped in history, and I feel good to have taken in a game at the tremendous Mosset Park. If you haven’t already explored some of the Highland League and beyond, you are missing out. It is worth the journey.  

• Connor