A powerful header from Roddy Mess was enough for Inverurie Locos to collect all three points on a darkened Grant Park. The super sub was only just off the bench when he met a perfectly weighted free-kick from Neil Gauld.

The game started slowly, the only chance in the first ten minutes coming from Inverurie's Neil Gauld, who shot wide. Shortly after though, Inverurie had another chance when Lossie keeper Darren McConnachie slipped and mis-kicked the ball. However, no Locos striker was able to take advantage of the error.

The deadlock was broken on 21 minutes when Neil McLean slotted home from a tight angle through the legs of McConnachie. It was a deserved lead as they'd had the majority of the game's chances up to that point.

Only nine minutes later, however, the visitors were dealt a blow when goalscorer McLean had to hobble off with a hamstring problem. He was replaced by Andrew Bisset.

This substitution signalled a change in dominance as the home side began to impose themselves more on the game. Lossie's first real chance came when Inverurie goalkeeper Andy Reid missed the ball when attempting to kick it up the park. The defender's back pass, as a result, came dangerously close to crossing the line, but Reid recovered well to prevent a goal.

A goal did come for Lossie though - just before halftime. Nikki Smith hit the ball through the goalkeeper's legs from close range to give the hosts a deserved equaliser.

Half time: Lossiemouth 1 Inverurie Locos 1

As the weather grew colder with frost forming on the pitch, the second half found itself unable to get going. Fouls, substitutions and bookings became more and more frequent as the match failed to recapture any of the rhythm that had been present in the first half. Inverurie though, managed to grab a late winner in the dire conditions.

Locos substitute Roddy Mess became the unlikely match winner when he rifled a fantastic header across goalkeeper Darren McConnachie. His 79^th minute goal - from a superb Neil Gauld free-kick - proved to be just enough for the visitors and, despite late pressure from Lossie, they held on for the win.

Full time: Lossiemouth 1  Inverurie Locos 2
Reporter: Alasdair Keith