Attacker says Brora Rangers can’t afford to fall behind title rivals as they prepare to face Fraserburgh
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ANDREW Macrae says Brora Rangers can’t afford defeat against fellow title contenders Fraserburgh tomorrow, despite it being early in the season.
The Highland League champions travel to Bellslea on Saturday to take on a team who many people tip to be their biggest challengers for their title.
It will be only the second league outing for the Cattachs this season, following their opening day 3–0 win over Deveronvale.
Last weekend’s clash with Rothes, scheduled to be played at Dudgeon Park, was postponed due to the death of the Speyside club’s secretary Garry Davies.
Macrae acknowledges it is still early in the campaign, but with Fraserburgh already three points in front, he is determined not to lose further ground.
“We have to be confident and hopefully we can take all three points,” said Macrae.
“But the minimum we have to take away is one point.
“We can’t get a defeat early on in the season.”
Brora Rangers rampaged their way to the Highland League title in the 2019/20 season winning 24 out of 26 games.
They were also declared champions last season on the points per game system after the season was concluded early after they played only three matches.
Macrae acknowledges while Brora Rangers and Fraserburgh are two of the favourites to win the title, he believes there are two other teams that will put in a strong challenge.
“I think that us and Fraserburgh are definitely up there,“ said Macrae.
“But the likes of Brechin City and Buckie Thistle are in it as well to be honest.
“That is the top four and one of those teams will win the Highland League.”
“Hopefully it will be ourselves and to play Fraserburgh so early on makes it better for us I would say.
“We have a tough few weeks ahead of us and the games are coming thick and fast.”
Macrae was pleased with how the team performed in the 3–0 win against Deveronvale in Banff on the opening day of the league season.
It came after a disappointing Premier Sports Cup campaign where Brora lost all four matches without scoring a goal.
But Macrae is confident they can continue their winning start to the Highland League.
“Against Deveronvale, we said after the game that we could have scored more goals.
“But it was so hot that day, before the match if we were offered a 3–0 win we would have taken it and we were glad to start with a win.”
