All games in defence of title now ‘must-win’ for Brora Rangers, says manager Craig Campbell
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BRORA Rangers manager Craig Campbell admitted today's clash against Buckie Thistle is must-win, as is all their remaining matches to defend their Highland League crown.
The Cattachs suffered a major blow in their title challenge last weekend when they suffered a 2–0 defeat to Brechin City at Dudgeon Park.
The defeat has left Brora Rangers in fifth place, nine points behind league leaders Fraserburgh with 14 matches remaining this season.
Manager Craig Campbell says there is still plenty of football to play this season, but admits their clash at Victoria Park is a game where they can’t afford to fall any further behind.
“They are all must wins and all we can do is concentrate on ourselves and see what happens elsewhere,” admitted Campbell.
“It is important that we bounce back after a poor result on Saturday and I am looking for a reaction.
“Hopefully we can put in a better performance.”
Ewan Loudon proved to be the difference at Dudgeon Park last week as his goals either side of half time gave Brechin City all three points.
Campbell says it was a poor performance from his team which leaves them needing favours elsewhere to get back into the title running.
“I can’t fault the boys effort, the conditions were difficult but it was the same for both teams,” he said.
“They managed the conditions better than us and we didn’t create enough chances and didn’t put them under enough pressure when I thought we would have done in the second half.
“But it did not turn out like that.”
Despite being nine points behind with 14 games left, it is the closest Highland League title race in years.
Campbell says they will continue to fight until the end of the season and will not give up their defence of the Highland League crown easily.
“There is still a lot of football to be played and football can be unpredictable at times,” he said.
“Fraserburgh are obviously in a strong position, but we will keep concentrating on ourselves and see where we end up.”
Brora are still without Millar Gamble and James Wallace who have long-term injuries with a couple of players also doubts.
Leaders Fraserburgh will look to at least maintain their six-point lead when they host Wick Academy. Brechin City welcome Nairn County, while Inverurie face Fort William. Rothes host Strathspey, while Huntly face Formartine, Deveronvale play Clachnacuddin, Keith face Lossiemouth and Turriff take on Forres.
