Saturday 15 October
Huntly 2 Clachnacuddin 2

Huntly missed out on the chance to regain top spot after twice being pegged back by a rejuvenated Clachnacuddin side writes Grant Turner.
The home side welcomed back striker Richie Taylor who partnered Darren Shallicker in attack meanwhile Scott Anderson returned from suspension and was named captain following the continued absence of sidelined Russell Guild. There were changes too in between the sticks with Richard Bowman out with a groin injury which gave 23 year old deputy Ryszard Gorski his first chance of Highland League football.

The first opening of the game came in the 6th minute and it fell for the home side Mark Gray played forward to Richie Taylor who quickly fed Darren Shallicker only for the Englishman's shot to be turned round the post by Ally Ridgers. From the resultant flag kick by Levi Stephen, Scott Anderson saw a header saved by Ridgers.

A cross from Bruce McCraw came to the feet of Lewis Ross however debutant goalkeeper Ryszard Gorski made a fantastic point blank save.

Midway through the first half Huntly took the lead through Richie Taylor. A corner from the left was swung in by Gary McGowan, Darren Shallicker flicked it on at the near post and his strike partner Taylor was on hand to fire the ball into the roof of the net.

The black and golds should've doubled their lead three minutes later. Matty Gairns crossed in from the right for Shallicker but the striker took too much time on the ball and saw his effort blocked by a defender.

Clach were looking to fight their way back into the game and on the half hour John Douglas played a long ball in behind the Huntly defence for Bruce McCraw but from a tight angle his shot flew over the crossbar. McCraw went close moments later with a shot past post as the pressure mounted.

A minute before the break the home side had a loud penalty claim when Richie Taylor appeared to have been felled in the penalty area by Ally Ridgers but referee Eric Robertson waved away the claims.

Half Time: Huntly 1 Clachnacuddin 0

it took Clach a mere six minutes of the second half to get back on level terms. Gordon Morrison cut in from the wing and blasted an unstoppable 30 yard shot into the top right hand corner of the net to the delight of the Mackay-Houston management team.

Huntly regained the lead shortly after the hour mark when a Darren Shallicker flick-on released Richie Taylor who shot low only for John Douglas to block the shot with his arm. The play raged on until the referee spotted the linesman's flag. He went over and after a brief discussion awarded a penalty kick. Despite Steve MacDonald and his fellow defender strongly protesting the incident, the decision stood and Ross Campbell hit it high to the left of Ally Ridgers to put the Champions back in front.

At this point, Huntly should've killed the game off and went close again in 74 minutes. Gary McGowan's cross over the top of the visitors defence was met first time by Anderson who tested Ridgers with a volley.

Clach clawed their way back into the game for the second time on the day in the 79th minute. There was dispute by the home defence over a corner decision out on the left wing and when the ball was finally delivered left back Gary Ross came forward to nod a Blair Lawrie corner into the back of the net to ensure a share of the points.

For the second week running, there's a change in league leader as Fraserburgh go top over Huntly by one point. The Christie Park side have now failed to win in their last 4 games and have not won their last four home matches.