Highland League champions Buckie Thistle had to call on their fighting qualities to get the better of a spirited Lossiemouth.

After an uninspiring first half the game burst into life in the 56th minute when Donnie Munro fired Buckie in front.

Lossie levelled with a Nicky Smith 75th minute penalty but two minutes later Ian Murray secured the points with another spot kick.

Buckie coach Colin Smith said: "It was three very hard earned points, the first half was very poor but after we got ripped into the players at half-time we played some good stuff.

"The game needed a goal.  It came from Donnie Munro after a great set-up by Ian Murray and we could have had three more before Lossie scored from the spot.  We did well to come back and restore our lead with a spot kick from Murray two minutes later and I think we deserved to take the points as we created two or three more chances late-on."

Coasters manager Charlie Charlesworth felt his side deserved a share.  He said: "I don't think anybody would have denied us a draw against the champions.

"Although we were awarded a penalty I think we were denied another definite one when Shawn Scott was tripped just inside the corner of the box.

"That is the second time recently I've seen Kevin Grant retaliate.

"He got away with it a couple oif weeks ago but he got found out this time.

"Although he did play well, you can't do that at this level."

After a goalless first half Buckie Thistle took the lead 11 minutes after the interval when a brilliant ball over the top by Murray picked out Munro.

Munro's brilliant half-volley flew up and over the helpless Darren McConnachie in the home goal from 14 yards.

In the 75th minute Lossie equalised when Jags substitute Robbie Brown impeded Scott in the box and referee Douglas Ross pointed to the spot.

Nicky Smith took the resultant spot kick and sent Kevin Main the wrong way.

The Lossie fans were still celebrating that leveller when Buckie were awarded a penalty kick of their own.

Second-half substitute Craig MacMillan hit the crossbar with a header, the ball broke to Murray and for some reason McConnachie raced out of goal and brought down the centre forward.

Once again the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty kick. 

Murray took the spot-kick himself and he, too, sent the goalkeeper in the opposite direction.

Six minutes from time Lossiemouth were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Kevin Grant was shown a straight red card after his flailing arm hit Brown on the head.

Report by Dave Edwards, Press & Journal