FORT William slid to a 3-1 home Highland League defeat against Wick Academy on Saturday.
Wick grabbed the opener after just 12 minutes when Sam MacKay’s terrific finish past goalkeeper Stewart Gray came after a fine move involving Stevie Cunningham and David Allan.
Seven minutes later, Gary Weir netted the first of his double when he shot high into the net after Gray had denied Mackay.
Fort rallied after the break and pulled a goal back on 52 minutes when Darren Duncan found the net from 25 yards.
However, Academy secured the points on 80 minutes when Weir unleashed an unstoppable 20-yarder beyond Gray.
Four matches were called off due to frozen pitches: Nairn County v Buckie Thistle, Inverurie Locos v Clach, Rothes v Forres Mechanics and Strathspey Thistle v Formartine United.
This gave Cove Rangers the chance to close the gap on leaders Forres to two points with a 3-0 stroll at Lossiemouth, although the Can Cans now have two games in hand.
Huntly won 3-1 at Keith, while Fraserburgh and Deveronvale shared four goals.
