Brora Rangers aiming to keep title bid on track as they welcome Inverurie Locos to Dudgeon Park
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
BRORA Rangers will look to continue their Highland League title challenge when they welcome Inverurie Locos to Dudgeon Park tomorrow afternoon.
The Cattachs strengthened their challenge for top spot when they moved into second place last week with a comfortable 4-1 home victory over Forres Mechanics.
The win has put them three points behind league leaders Brechin City, although Brora Rangers have played a game more.
Ali Sutherland put Brora in the lead in the 11th minute after a well worked one two with Andy MacRae.
Mark Nicholson doubled their advantage a minute before half time.
But Forres Mechanics fought back and Craig Mackenzie reduced the deficit to one with 16 minutes remaining.
Ross Gunn restored Brora’s two-goal lead with 10 minutes remaining with Forres Mechanics being reduced to 10 men when Mackenzie was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the build up to goal.
Andy Macrae then scored Brora’s fourth soon after to give them victory.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed earlier this week Banks O’Dee have been deducted 24 points after it was found they fielded ineligible players in eight matches in the Highland League.
They were also disqualified from the Scottish Cup after they fielded an ineligible player against Turriff United in the first round.
As a result, Banks O’Dee have dropped to the bottom of the Highland League are on minus-1 and are three points behind Strathspey Thistle.
Banks O’Dee club president Brian Winton says they accepted the punishment.
“This is devastating news for all involved at Spain Park,” he said.
“I really feel for the management team and the players as they will be feeling badly let down.
“However, we win and lose together, we are a resilient organisation, so over time I am sure we will recover and be stronger for it.
“At times like this we have to be positive and focus on all the good things we have done in recent years. Yes, of course, this is a major set back for our season.
“I have recommended as part of our Scottish Cup appeal that the SFA set up mandatory training for club secretaries.
“It is a critical position within a football club with harsh consequences when errors occur.”
Elsewhere tomorrow, Buckie Thistle will continue their title challenge when they face Forres Mechanics at Victoria Park.
Champions Fraserburgh are set to take on Rothes.
Keith are set to take on Nairn County at Kynoch Park and Turriff United face Brechin City.
In the Highland League Cup preliminary round, Strathspey Thistle face Lossiemouth and Wick Academy face Formartine.
