NAIRN County’s Highland League title ambitions suffered a damaging blow on Friday night as they crashed 4-0 at leaders Forres Mechanics.
This result in part one of the festive double header means the Can Cans are now eight points clear of Les Fridge’s side ahead of this Friday’s return match at Station Park.
Scott Moore notched a first half double and penalties from Simon Allan and Neil Whyte adding gloss to the scoreline.
Despite this defeat, Nairn had their chances, with Conor Gethins hitting woodwork and Steven MacKay also going close.
Cove Rangers moved into second spot, five points behind Forres, thanks to their 1-0 home win against fourth-placed Fraserburgh.
There were goals galore at Grant Street as Clach hit six without reply against Fort William.
Sam Urquhart netted a hat-trick for the Lilywhites, with their other goals coming from Chris Ross, Scott Graham and Paul Brindle.
Clach lifted the Simon Shields Memorial Trophy, in tribute to the player who died of cancer this year. He played for both these clubs.
Elsewhere, Wick Academy continued their fine form as they beat Brora Rangers 2-1, champions Buckie Thistle defeated Deveronvale 1-0 at Victoria Park, Inverurie Locos were 4-0 winners at Huntly, Formartine United beat Turriff United 2-1, Keith beat visitors Lossiemouth 3-0 and Rothes racked up a 3-1 home win against basement team Strathspey Thistle.
