Brora Rangers manager expects closest Highland League title race in years
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STEVEN Mackay believes Brechin City’s arrival has only intensified what is shaping up as the most competitive Highland League title race in years.
The Brora Rangers manager drew huge positives from Wednesday night’s strong showing in a narrow League Cup group defeat at home to Premiership Ross County.
Kicking off tomorrow away to Deveronvale, the Cattachs face potential title challengers Rothes, Fraserburgh and Formartine in their next three league fixtures.
“It is always a competitive league and it is probably going to be the most competitive Highland League in recent years,” Mackay stressed.
“Along with Brechin City, we’ll have Buckie Thistle, Formartine, Fraserburgh, Rothes who will all fancy their chances. That competitiveness is good for the Highland League and good for us as well. Nothing is a given.
“We need to make sure we’re as strong as we can be. We know we’re really light in terms of squad size and we’ll look to rectify that in coming weeks.”
Brechin’s relegation from the SPFL has added intrigue to the campaign ahead, with the Angus club, under ex-Hearts star Andy Kirk, seeking an immediate return.
“We know how tough it will be with Brechin City now in the Highland League,” Mackay acknowledged. “They had a great result on Tuesday night in beating Alloa. They will want to bounce back up straight away and our ambition is no different in terms of trying to win the league and go up through the play-offs.
“But we already know how difficult it is, having experienced it last year. We’re under no illusions, but if we perform like we did against Ross County in work-rate, discipline and confidence shown on the ball then we will give ourselves a good chance.”
n Brora suffer narrow defeat against Ross County – page 31
