Saturday 17 September
Huntly 1 Nairn County 1

Huntly knew a win today would see them open up a five point gap at the top of the Scot Ads Highland League but they failed to produce the vital spark in what was a less than sparkling opening forty-five minutes at Christie Park writes Grant Turner.

There was a real let-off the home side in the first minute when Ross Campbell got caught out attempting to head clear as Tony Low nipped in to see his effort deflected behind for a corner.

The first chance for Huntly saw the champions threaten from a corner. Gary McGowan supplied the ball into the box and it was flicked on by Richard Craig for Ross Campbell only for the big man's overhead kick to be blocked on the goal line and cleared to safety.

Nairn went close on the quarter hour mark when Gary McGowan lost possession and a quick counter attack saw Willie Barron race towards goal before firing the ball off the post having aimed to find the bottom corner.

The rest of the first half was notable more for the players booked rather then any real goalmouth incidents. Ross Campbell, Richard Craig and Gary McGowan all finding their way into the referees notepad.

Half Time: Huntly 0 Nairn County 0

Five minutes into the half, Neil Reid's throw from the right found McGowan for the youngster's shot on the turn to bring out a good reflex save from John Campbell.

Nairn County opened the scoring midway through the second half from the penalty spot. Ross Campbell was the offender, fouling Willie Barron in the area and the Wee County's top scorer last season David Macrae made no mistake from the spot.

Eight minutes later Huntly levelled when Matty Gairns swung in a corner from the right and when Scott Anderson nodded it back across goals Richie Taylor was on hand to smash the ball home and open his account for the season.