Polworth boosted by in-form Clach's Leslie
STUART Leslie hit a hat-trick for Clach – including two penalties – as the Inverness side scored a 4-2 Highland League win against Turriff United at Grant Street on Saturday.
Leslie shot the Lilywhites ahead after just 10 minutes from the spot and Allan Pollock made it 2-0 on 23 minutes as the hosts played with confidence.
On 36 minutes, Sam Urquhart won Clach a second penalty, which Leslie netted to put Iain Polworth’s team well in control.
Leslie’s hat-trick came just after the break before a late Michael Ewen double added gloss to the scoreline for the visitors.
Champions Buckie Thistle were held to a 1-1 draw by Nairn at Station Park in a game which saw one red card each and two scored penalties.
Craig MacMillan gave the Jags the interval lead from the spot, but most of the action happened in the last quarter of the match.
Steven Mackay won a penalty for Nairn on 64 minutes and in-form Craig Campbell levelled matters.
Campbell and Buckie keeper Kevin Main then clashed, with both players sent off in a storm ending.
A young Fort William side went down battling – but lost 3-0 at home to Fraserburgh.
The deadlock wasn’t broken until the 68 minute through Jonathan Garden and then an Allan Hale penalty doubled the visitors’ advantage. Dane Ballard added a third for the Broch late on.
Keith stormed back from a goal down to win 3-1 at home to Wick Academy, a result which took them back to the top.
Third-placed Deveronvale’s title charge was slowed down when they lost 3-1 Forres Mechanics, who have moved just one place below them.
Cove Rangers were 4-1 winners against visitors Brora Rangers, while Huntly won 1-0 at Formartine United.
Elsewhere, Lossiemouth stunned Inverurie Locos 3-0, while Strathspey Thistle were beaten 2-1 at home by Rothes.