Buckie Thistle beat Brora in Highland League thriller to maintain title push
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BUCKIE Thistle kept their hopes of winning the Highland League for the first time since 2017 alive with a thrilling 4-2 win against Brora Rangers on Saturday.
The Jags welcomed fellow title hopefuls Brora to Victoria Park knowing a win was crucial to keeping pace with league leaders Brechin City.
However, the hosts fell behind within 10 minutes when Andrew Macrae put the Cattachs into an early lead.
The hosts hit back after half an hour through Scott Adams who had the simple task of finishing off Josh Peters’ square ball.
Brora went back ahead almost immediately, however, when some slack Buckie defending allowed former Elgin City man Tony Dingwall in to restore the visitors’ lead.
The momentum swung yet again when Buckie were awarded a penalty on the hour mark despite the protests of the visitors after they claimed there had been an offside in the build-up.
Andy MacAskill shrugged off the controversy to fire his side level from the penalty spot.
The Jags took the lead for the first time moments later when Mark Nicolson turned the ball into the back of his own net.
And the three points were sealed 10 minutes from time when Peters fired in his side’s fourth on the counter attack.
Jags manager Graeme Stewart was pleased with the result but felt his side could have played better.
He said: “We can play better but I don’t think the performance was the most important thing. The most important thing was getting the result especially after drawing against Huntly.
“The conditions didn’t help either team. Especially in the first half. We’re into the wind and the rain. You’re never going to have a great performance with that kind of weather.
“Like I say it was all about the result. We spoke before the game about the importance of just working hard which I don’t think I’ve ever had to question my team about before but maybe against Huntly we were outworked.
“To be fair to the boys they took that on board and I saw immense work rate, immense character, all the stuff you want in a team but of course we can play a lot better.”
The result pulls Buckie level with Brechin at the top of the table although City have two games in hand.
Stewart admits his side aren’t favourites but says they still have a chance.
He said: “They could go six points clear if they win their two games and they’ve not lost a game all season. For me, they’re massive favourites.
“But we’re still in it. We’ve given ourselves a chance because if we didn’t win on Saturday we’re probably out of it so I think it’s down to Brechin being favourites then us and Brora.
“Ultimately though, we probably can’t afford to lose another game.”
Buckie’s title push has received another boost in the form of returning club captain Kevin Fraser who made the bench on Saturday after a long term injury lay-off. Defensive stalwart Sam Morrison is also close to returning to action after his own injury problems.
“That’s two of the best players in the league so we’re really looking forward to getting them back,” Stewart added.
The Jags will look to build on Saturday’s win when they welcome Keith to Victoria Park this weekend.
