FORT William boss Danny Conlon saw his weakened squad crash to 6-0 Highland League hammering at the hands of Deveronvale on Saturday.
Injuries and work commitments meant Conlon had to make eight changes against rampant Vale in Banff – and their day was not helped by Fort’s bus breaking down on the way to Princess Royal Park.
That was the sign of things to come as the game got started 15 minutes late.
Sub Kris Duncan, who replaced Chris Blackhall just before the break, was the star man for Deveronvale with a dazzling hat-trick.
Graeme Rodger, Mike McKenzie and Graeme Watt were also on the scoresheet as Fort will look to get some confidence back this weekend when they welcome Wick Academy on league business.
Basement side Strathspey Thistle almost stunned title favourites Forres Mechanics at Mosset Park as they led 1-0 at the break before the Can Cans found a way back to win 2-1 and maintain their five-point advantage over Cove Rangers, who ran out 2-1 home winners against Inverurie Locos.
Champions Buckie Thistle are now fourth after their 3-2 Victoria Park victory against Turriff United, while it finished 1-1 between Keith and Wick Academy at Kynoch Park.
Clach’s home derby against Nairn County and the fixtures between Huntly and Rothes and Formartine United v Lossiemouth were postponed.
