Play-off reprieve was making of Brora Rangers' Premier Sports Cup opponents Montrose
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It will only make Saturday’s task tougher, but Steven Mackay reckons the burning ambition of clubs like Brora Rangers is behind Montrose’s recent resurgence.
The Cattachs’ manager credits Scottish football’s pyramid for giving stagnant and complacent outfits in the SPFL’s lower reaches a much-needed jolt.
Montrose, in May 2015, were rock bottom after years of decline when they crashed to a 1–0 defeat in the League Two play-off final first leg at Dudgeon Park.
Managed by Paul Hegarty, the Gable Endies regrouped to beat Brora 3–1 in the return leg, but the Dundee United legend was sacked the following November after just nine months.
Under successor Stewart Petrie, Montrose went from strength to strength, reaching the Championship play-offs last season.
“Stewart has done a fantastic job – rewind to 2014/15 and they only just beat us 3–2 on aggregate to stay up,” Mackay said.
“It was probably the reality check they needed to realise that their SPFL status was genuinely under threat. That’s the positive impact the pyramid system can have on the Scottish game.
“Since then, they’ve really kicked on and they made the promotion play-offs in League One last season.”
Brora haven’t played since losing out disappointingly to Kelty Hearts in last season’s pyramid play-offs semi-final. Mackay and his players always relish the cups, though, and have a rich tradition of rattling big league opposition, as Hearts discovered in last season’s historic Scottish Cup shock.
“The League Cup was also one we enjoyed last season.,” Mackay said. “We gave credible performances against Hibs and Dundee and earned credible results against League One sides.
“We’re looking for something similar this year, albeit our preparation has not been ideal with the Caley Thistle and Orkney friendlies postponed.
“Montrose on Saturday, with no pre-season games, will be tough, but that’s not to say we won’t look to win.”
Brora have secured ex-Caley Thistle defender Josh Meekings and ex-Ross County attacker James Wallace for the new campaign, with more likely to follow.
“We had a chat in pre-season about what our season ahead looks like and what our objectives are – and nothing has changed,” Mackay stressed.
“Based on our strategy, we’re recruiting players who want to play in the Scottish leagues. It doesn’t mean it will happen for us, but that’s our objective. It is as much about bringing in the right mentality of player as anything else.”
