Moray Typhoons 5, Paisley Pirates 4

Paisley Pirates slumped to a shock defeat in Elgin, the result of which seriously damages any aspirations of glory in the Scottish National League this season.

They got off to the best possible start as Henderson opened the scoring after only 30 seconds, but a controversial equaliser by Durkacz after seven minutes, with Pirates’ protest that Meechan’s goal was off its moorings falling on deaf ears.

While Cowan restored the visitors’ lead a minute later, they were level again at the halfway point of the session, as Ferguson beat Pirates’ teenage goalie to put the score level at 2-2 at the end of the first session.

Pirates continued to have difficulty in getting to grips with the tight Elgin rink, not to mention some of the officials’ decisions, and they went behind for the first time after 25 minutes as Aikenhead found the net to give the Typhoons the lead, which they held until the second interval, leaving the Renfrewshire side with it all to do in the final session.

With a hint of bad temper coming into the final session, the first goal was always going to be critical, and it came at the wrong end for the contingent of travelling Pirates’ fans, as Russell took the score to 4-2 in favour of the home side with only eight minutes left.

Back came the visitors, however, with Orr pulling back the deficit to one within two minutes to keep his side in the game.

Play became a little frantic as the clock ran down towards the end, and Ferguson netted the game winning goal with only 50 seconds remaining for 5-3.

Pirates refused to give up and Chris Turley netted with only 11 seconds remaining, but it was too little, too late, as they went down to probably their most disappointing result of the season so far.

Pirates continue to defeat all comers at Braehead Arena, but their away form is becoming an increasing cause for concern, with only three points so far collected from five matches on the road.

To compound a miserable night for the club, they received news that the main A9 route was closed due to adverse weather conditions, leaving them with a five hour trip home via Aberdeen.