Brora Rangers prepare to face fellow title contenders at Dudgeon Park
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MANAGER Ally MacDonald says it is important Brora Rangers achieve victory against Huntly tomorrow afternoon and not lose further ground in the Highland League title race.
Both teams have established themselves as early contenders for the Highland League crown this season, but find themselves behind in the early stage of the campaign.
Brora Rangers grabbed a point at league leaders Formartine United in a 3-3 draw last Saturday to keep themselves only eight points off top with three games in hand with the table toppers.
But Brora are seven points behind Brechin City in second place having both played 10 matches.
MacDonald says it is vital they maintain momentum in the Highland League title race and look for victory against Huntly, who will also have ambitions on top spot.
“Huntly have been going well and have recruited well which has allowed them to step up another level,” said MacDonald.
“They have been a difficult team to play over the last couple of years and are getting better and better.
“We are treating this game as a match against another title challenger as that is where they are at now.
“But we have done our homework on them and we will treat the game in the right way.”
Forward Alex Cooper is out of tomorrow’s clash against Huntly as he continues to recover from injury.
Defender Josh Meekings is back into the squad and goalkeeper Joe Malin is not far away from returning to action, but not in time for tomorrow’s game.
MacDonald said: “We are starting to get to the stage where we are getting back to having a full squad again, as well as having more headaches.
“But they are good headaches to have, we have a good squad now and there are a lot of competition for places.
“I am still trying to figure out what our best squad is, but it depends on different games which demands different players.
“It is good that we have that option.”
MacDonald says while pleased to take a point from Formartine last week, felt there were opportunities to take all three.
“On reflection, I was pleased as we haven’t the greatest record at Formartine United in recent years.
“It is a difficult place to go and they are a top team that is why they are at the top of the league.
“As the game went on we were the more dominant team on the ball and we created chances.
“We had the chance to build up a good lead but we didn’t take them and we went in level at the break.
“It was a bit frustrating and it was there for us to go on and win the game.
“Looking back, it could turn out to be an important point for us hopefully.
“The boys are showing that they are more than capable of taking points off the top teams.
“We need to do that if we want to win leagues.”
