Fortrose got their season off to the best possible start with a convincing 4-1 friendly victory over local rivals Maryburgh. Fortrose played neat passing football despite the poor conditions underfoot and the young players all had a good match.                                                  

Alan Cuthbert had a tremendous game at sweeper as he continues to turn the clock back whilst Brendan McGarvey made a welcome return to the side. Fortrose took the lead through a Keith Abernethy chip on the half hour and continued to press for the rest of the half. The second half was more even and Maryburgh equalised after a mistake from Fortrose keeper Jarred Simpson who otherwise had a tremendous match. However, Davy MacIver secured a deserved victory with a 20 minute hatrick that included a spectacular diving header from 8 yards.

Line up - Jarred Simpson; Garf Williams, Alan Cuthbert, Frazer Hutchison (Trialist 75), Andy Fraser (Paul Urquhart 55); Keith Abernethy, Robert Hillis, Brendan McGarvey, Patrick McGarvey; Davy MacIver, Kevin Keith.