Highland: Cup a bonus for Buckie

BUCKIE Thistle goalkeeper Kevin Main admits the champions have relegated the Scottish Cup to 'bonus' status as they bid for back-to-back Highland League titles.

With the Jags having ended their 52-year wait to secure the Highland League crown last season, national glamour games pale into insignificance compared to league ambitions.

But Main, who saved a penalty in an important 3-2 win at Cove, is looking forward to next weekend's trek to Bo'ness in the third round of the Scottish Cup.

Cove started the season as title favourites but now sit 11 points off the pace with an extra match played. Main said: "The win will see us go into the Scottish Cup tie at Bo'ness full of confidence, but whatever happens there is just a bonus. We've tasted title success and we all crave more of it."

Andy Low, Ian Murray and Neil Davidson were the Buckie goalscorers, while Dean Lawrie and Danny Milne struck for Cove in a match in which two players - Mo Morrison, Buckie, and Cove's Roddy Black - were sent off.

Turriff United beat Brora Rangers 4-0 to stay in second place, and Inverurie Locos also stayed in touch after a 5-1 win at Strathspey. A Gary Tweedie hat-trick helped Forres to a 7-1 win over Fraserburgh, while Huntly came back from 3-0 down to beat Clach 4-3. Formartine beat Lossiemouth 3-2, Nairn County and Wick Academy shared six goals and Keith beat Rothes 4-2, helped by a Cammy Keith hat-trick.