Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — Preview & Prediction Highland League 2025/26
Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — Match Preview
This is a classic Highland League derby defined by pride, history, and a desperate need for points. The “Can-Cans” of Forres Mechanics host their rivals Deveronvale at Mosset Park in a true “six-pointer” at the bottom half of the table.1
The stakes are high, as both teams are in a disastrous run of form. Forres, 12th, are coming off back-to-back heavy losses, including a 6-0 thrashing by Clachnacuddin.2 Deveronvale, 11th, are not much better, having lost their last three matches, including a 1-3 loss to Fraserburgh.3
This match isn’t just about three points; it’s about stopping the bleeding and, more importantly, securing bragging rights over a local rival. With only one point separating them in the table, expect a tense, physical, and passionate 90 minutes.
Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — Quick Match Info
- Fixture: Forres Mechanics vs. Deveronvale
- Competition: Breedon Highland Football League
- Venue: Mosset Park, Forres, Scotland
- Date: 19 November 2025
- Time: 20:00 UTC / 01:30 IST (20 Nov)
- Prediction: Forres Mechanics 2-1 Deveronvale
- Key Narrative: A massive local derby between two rivals in terrible form. This is a “must-win” match for pride and to escape the bottom-half “dogfight.”
Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — What’s at Stake
- For Forres Mechanics: This is a chance to stop a “crisis.” At home, against their rivals, a win would leapfrog them over Deveronvale in the table and restore some desperately needed confidence. A loss would be a “humiliating” blow.
- For Deveronvale: A win on the road against a rival would be the perfect way to snap their 3-match losing streak and create some breathing room. A loss would see them fall behind Forres and deepen their “slump.”
Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — Team Form
Forres Mechanics (Last 5): L-L-W-L-D
- Ice cold. They have lost 4 of their last 5 matches.
- Just suffered a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Clachnacuddin.
- Their defense is “leaky,” having conceded 17 goals in their last 5 games.
Deveronvale (Last 5): L-L-L-D-W
- Also ice cold. On a 3-match losing streak.
- Recent losses include 1-3 vs. Fraserburgh, 2-4 vs. Brora Rangers, and 1-3 vs. Formartine.
- Their only win in the last 6 games was a 5-2 victory over Rothes.
Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — Team News
Forres Mechanics — Team News
- NO MAJOR INJURIES: No new injuries or suspensions have been reported for the home side.
- PRESSURE: After conceding 6 in their last match, the pressure will be on the entire defensive line, from the ‘keeper to the centre-backs.
Deveronvale — Team News
- FULL SQUAD EXPECTED: Deveronvale is also expected to have a full-strength squad to choose from for this crucial derby.
- IMPACT: Both managers will have their best (or most in-form) players available for a match that will be decided by who wants it more.
Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — Predicted Lineups
Forres Mechanics (4-4-2)
- GK: McCarthy
- DEF: MacDonald, McRitchie, McLauchlan, Sutherland
- MID: MacKenzie, Grant, MacLeman, Jamieson
- FW: Frame, MacLeod
Deveronvale (4-4-2)
- GK: McIntosh
- DEF: Bradford, Dalling, Esson, Goldie
- MID: Watson, Mitchell, Allan, Dlugosz
- FW: Alberts, MacLellan
Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — Spotlight Players
- Calum Frame (Forres Mechanics): The standout star for the Can-Cans. With 9 goals and 4 assists, he is the team’s primary source of all offense. In a tight game, he is the most likely to create a moment of magic.
- Jamie MacLellan (Deveronvale): Deveronvale’s top scorer with 7 goals. He is the poacher they will rely on to convert any chances they get. His battle with the Forres centre-backs will be key.
- Fergus Alberts (Deveronvale): The club’s other main goal threat (5 goals).6 The pairing of MacLellan and Alberts is Deveronvale’s biggest strength.
Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — Head to Head
While Forres Mechanics holds the historical advantage in this derby (16 wins to 5), the recent fixtures have been extremely competitive and unpredictable.
- March 8, 2025: Deveronvale 2–4 Forres Mechanics
- Oct 5, 2024: Forres Mechanics 1–3 Deveronvale
- Jan 13, 2024: Forres Mechanics 0–2 Deveronvale
- Sep 2, 2023: Deveronvale 1–1 Forres Mechanics
- Trend: This is a high-scoring, chaotic derby. 17 goals have been scored in the last 4 meetings (avg. 4.25 per game).
Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — Tactical Outlook
Forres Mechanics Tactical Approach
- Home Advantage Press: Expect Forres to use the energy of the home crowd to press high and play a physical game.
- Find Calum Frame: The game plan will be simple: win the ball and get it to their star man, Calum Frame, as quickly as possible.
- Weakness: Their defence is in a “crisis” of confidence. They have conceded 17 goals in 5 games and are vulnerable to any counter-attack.
Deveronvale Tactical Approach
- Weather the Storm: Deveronvale will expect an early onslaught and will look to stay compact in a 4-4-2 block.
- Exploit the Leaky Defence: They know Forres is conceding goals. They will look to play direct passes to their two strikers, MacLellan and Alberts, and test a nervous backline.
- Weakness: Their own form is just as bad. A 3-match losing streak means their own confidence is at rock bottom.
Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — Key Battles
| Matchup | Battle Type | Edge |
| Calum Frame (FOR) vs. Deveronvale CBs | Star vs. Defence | Forres Mechanics |
| MacLellan & Alberts vs. Forres CBs | Attack vs. Leaky Defence | Deveronvale |
| Forres Midfield vs. Deveronvale Midfield | Battle for Control | Even |
| Both Teams vs. Bad Form | Psychological | Even |
Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — Statistical Snapshot
| Metric | Forres Mechanics (12th) | Deveronvale (11th) |
| Points | 17 | 18 |
| Form (Last 5) | L-L-W-L-D (4 pts) | L-L-L-D-W (4 pts) |
| Goals For (League) | 20 | 23 |
| Goals Conceded (League) | 34 | 32 |
| H2H (Last 4) | 1 Win, 1 Draw, 2 Losses | 2 Wins, 1 Draw, 1 Loss |
Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — Where to Watch
- Local Stream: This match is unlikely to be broadcast on major TV. Fans should check the official Forres Mechanics or Highland League social media pages for potential live stream (PPV) details.
- In-Person: Mosset Park, Forres.
Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — Match-Defining Factors
- Who Blinks First: This is a true “El Clásico of Bad Form.” Both defences are leaking goals. The team that makes the first defensive mistake will likely lose.
- The Calum Frame Factor: He is the one true “X-Factor” on the pitch. If Forres can give him the ball, he has the quality to win this match on his own.
- Home Advantage: In a passionate derby between two evenly-matched, struggling teams, the roar of the home crowd at Mosset Park is a massive advantage for Forres.
- The H2H History: The last 4 matches have seen 17 goals. This will not be a boring 0-0. Expect chaos and goals.
Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — Prediction
Forres Mechanics 2–1 Deveronvale
Why:
This will be a nervous, physical, and scrappy game. Both teams are in terrible form, but something has to give.
The deciding factor will be home advantage and the single best player on the pitch: Calum Frame. Deveronvale’s attack is good, and they will score against Forres’s leaky defence, but Forres, backed by their home crowd and desperate to end their slump, will find a way to score one more.
Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — Final Word
Forget the Champions League; this is what you call a high-stakes match. It’s a battle for points, for pride, and to avoid being dragged into a “relegation” mindset. Expect a loud, foul-heavy, and entertaining derby.
Forres Mechanics vs Deveronvale — FAQs
Q1: What time is the match?
01:30 AM IST on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
Q2: What is at stake?
This is a “six-point” derby. The winner will climb the table, while the loser will be stuck in a “dogfight” in the bottom half.
Q3: Who is the favorite?
Forres Mechanics is the slight favorite due to their home advantage, but both teams are in terrible form.
Q4: Key players to watch?
For Forres Mechanics: Calum Frame (FW). For Deveronvale: Jamie MacLellan (FW) and Fergus Alberts (FW).
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