This years Highland League Fans Tournament was a home affair for the Lossiemouth team, being held on their doorstep at the Lossiemouth Playing Fields. Blue skies and sunshine met the teams as they prepared to do battle, with both last years winners Ross County and Reporters McHardy desperate to retain their titles. Lossies group featured rematches from last year in the shape of Huntly and Nairn County, the well-organised Reporters Rattray, and the unknown quantity of Lossiemouth Ritsons.

First up were Huntly, who were sporting t-shirts celebrating their recent league triumph. Lossie got off to a shocking start, conceding two early goals, before a late own goal from Klouse Ingram confirmed a 3-0 loss. Shoddy defending and a lack of composure meant Huntlys tournament was a off to a flyer, while the Lossie team looked every inch the shower of drunks they appear as at away games. Some immediate regrouping and reorganizing was needed to prevent a group whitewash.

Next up were tournament organizer Steven Rattray and the Reporters team. Full of talent, including recent Lossiemouth goalkeeper Michael Rae, the Lossie team feared the worst after the opening loss, but put in a more accomplished performance and were narrowly beaten 2-0.

With a slightly improved performance against the strong Reporters Rattray team, Lossie Shaker looked to the local derby against Lossie Ritsons with a little optimism, and duly carried forward their form from the previous game. A wonder strike from Thompson and two goals from Simpson ensured a 3-0 victory, giving those watching on the sidelines something to cheer.

Lossies final group game was against Nairn County, and the good work in the previous game against Lossiemouth Ritsons was immediately wiped out with a 3-1 reverse. The home side quickly went two goals behind before pulling one back through Simpson, but when Nairn scored their third it was all over.

Lossies path through the tournament was eased a little with a bye to the quarterfinal, where they would face a debutant Deveronvale or an experienced Ross County side. The game was a one-sided affair, with County thumping six past a hapless Vale who, to their credit, kept on trying in a bid to score their first goal in the tournament.

The semi-final against Ross County was sheer robbery on the part of Lossie, and the visitors have every right to feel aggrieved at losing a game they controlled from start to finish. The only goal of the game came from the foot of a Ross County player, whose attempted clearance rocketed past his own goalkeeper. Had he done this at the other end, it would have been a contender for goal of the tournament. Lossie set about trying to double their lead, but were instantly pressed back into defending for the rest of the game, with a number of goal-line clearances and last-man challenges keeping County behind. At full time, however, Ross County had failed to finish any of their chances, and the home side held on for the final game. For the second year in succession Lossie had overcome the northerners, who will be looking for revenge next time out.

The other semi-final featured the Lossiemouth Ritsons team, but hopes of an all-Lossie final were dashed as Nairn County ran out 3-1 winners.

The final itself was a tense affair, with Lossie keen to avoid a repeat of the earlier defeat. It was much more even than the group game, with Lossie playing from kick-off this time round rather than waiting until they went behind. Unfortunately, neither team could break the deadlock, and to penalties the game went. The first two penalties for each team were tucked away, and the shoot out went to sudden death. With Nairn scoring theirs, it was up to Michael McKenzie to keep Lossie in it, but his low shot was well saved by the Nairn keeper, and the Toilet Bowl trophy went west for the second year running.

Results  

Group Stages

Huntly 3 Lossiemouth 0
Reporters Rattray 2 Lossiemouth 0
Lossiemouth 3 Lossiemouth (Ritsons) 0 (Scorers - Thompson, Simpson (2))
Nairn County 3 Lossiemouth 1 (Scorer - Simpson)

Quarter Final - Lossiemouth received a bye to the semi-final

Semi-Final - Lossiemouth 1 Ross County 0 (Scorer - OG)

Final - Nairn County 0 Lossiemouth 0 - Nairn County win 3-2 on penalties