Inverurie Locos moved closer to clinching their first Highland League title today at Harlaw Park, as the home side produced a comfortable performance to sweep aside Rothes, and putting their 5-1 demolition from earlier in the season to rest.

Before kick off, Locos knew that victory in their remaining four games will guarantee top spot, so it was with no surprise that the home side dominated the opening quarter of the match. Within ten minutes Locos produced their first real chance, a deft flick from Coull on the half way line opened the defence for Neil McLean to carry the ball goal wards, however with the keeper closing down, McLean was only able to fire wide of the post.

Just two minutes later McLean then became provider for the opening goal. His in swinging corner was held up in the Rothes box long enough for the advancing Danny Milne to drive the ball home from all of six yards to take the pressure off the home side.

With Rothes unable to maintain possession of the ball Inverurie were able to dominate periods of play, however it took a solo effort to create the next scoring opportunity. With twenty-eight minutes played, Nicky Gordon was only inches away from doubling the lead after running on from a long throw, with Gordons attempted lob hanging in the air too long.

Rothes werent completely quiet throughout the match and wasted a brilliant opportunity on thirty-five minutes. Ross Duncan forced his way past Steven Park as the Locos defender backed off, his cross from the left side was swung in at a perfect height for Ian McRae, who somehow managed to miss the goals and fire his shot well over the bar from six yards out.

With eight minutes remaining of the first half Nicky Gordon had yet another chance to score, this time his shot from an Alan Youngson cross was brilliantly tipped round the post by Rothes trialist keeper Lee Windrum.

The away camp felt aggrieved when Paul Jarvie appeared to hold back Chris Grant in the box with no penalty given and no card waved fuelling their fury

And only two minutes later Steven Sim almost equalised for Rothes, Locos were caught napping as Kevin Collins free kick was floated into the box, however Sim put too much force on the header and it flew over the cross bar.

As the sides came out for the second half it seemed as though Kevin Will had produced the finer of the half time team talks as with only 60 seconds Neil Mclean produced a lung busting run to evade the Rothes defence before having his shot tipped round the post. And from the resulting corner, Kenny Coull scored his first goal of the match. Scott Buchan provided the perfect cross for the Locos front man to deftly flick the ball goal wards leaving Windrum with no chance.

After a quiet period of play the fans couldve been forgiven for thinking the match was over, however Rothes were rightfully awarded a penalty on fifty-eight minutes after Buchan used his arm to charge down an Iain McRae cross. Kevin Collins then stepped up and smashed the ball to the keepers bottom right to reduce the deficit.

But the home side still had something up their sleeve, as only three minutes later Kenny Coull completed his double. Scott Buchan instantly redeemed himself as he floated in a free kick from 40 yards which was converted by the head of Coull to once again give Locos a two goal cushion.

Inverurie were then able to run down the game, with Neil McLean came close to adding to the goal difference in the remaining fifteen minutes. McLean once again used his speed to produce an energy sapping run down the right wing, he then cut inside two defenders before seeing the keeper parry the shot wide.

Final Score: Locos 3 Rothes 1
Reporter: Andrew Raffan