Huntly were unfortunate not to leave MacKessack Park with a share of the points after an early Fraser Robertson header saw Rothes claim an opening day win.

Rothes had Dale Wood and Robert Donaldson suspended while Aiden Wilson, Alan Pollock and Allen Mackenzie were all injured.
Huntly went into the game with injury problems with Alexander Jack, Cameron Booth, Liam MacDonald, Paul Esslemont, Alexander Thoirs and Daniel Critchard all sidelined.

With seventeen minutes gone, a Craig Cormack cross from the right channel was met by the head of Fraser Robertson to send the ball inside the post.

Glenn Murison came close ten minutes later getting onto a loose ball outside the box and the midfielder saw his effort turned past the post by keeper Sean McCarthy.

Half-Time: Rothes 1 Huntly 0

Huntly were looking to pull level and Ross Still saw a low drive held by Sean McCarthy midway through the half.

There was a let off for the visitors in the 69th minute when Gary Kerr got in front of Cameron Bowden only to chip wide of the post.

Ross Still created an opening ten minutes later teeing up debutant Rhys Thomas whose low drive went narrowly past.

Three minutes into stoppage time a deep free kick from Joe Gauld was sent into the home goalmouth but as Still met the high ball his effort went wide.

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