Cove thrash battling Nairn

COVE Rangers saw off a gutsy challenge from Nairn County at Station Park to emerge 5-1 winners and remain a point ahead of Buckie Thistle at the top of the table.

Danny Milne opened the scoring for Cove only for Tony Low to grab a quick equaliser.

However, Cove asserted their superiority after the break and further goals from Clark Bain, Milne again, Martin Johnston and substitute Barrie Stephen killed the game.

Bain believes the quality on the Cove bench could propel the reigning champions to an historic three-in-a-row feat. He said: "The fact Barrie Stephen, Kevin Webster and Phil Reid couldn't get a start shows what a good squad we have. When it mattered, they gave us something else. You know if you don't pull your weight, these guys will take your shirt."

Buckie Thistle won 2-0 at nine-man Keith to keep the pressure on Cove.

Fraserburgh also kept in touch after thrashing Fort William 6-2, while Huntly maintained their challenge after coming back from 2-0 down at home to Wick to win 3-2.

Deveronvale eased to a 3-0 victory over Formartine, while Lossiemouth routed Brora Rangers 8-2.

Clach and Inverurie Locos shared four goals while Forres maintained their surge of good form by winning 2-0 at Turriff.