Brora Rangers set for crunch clash with fellow title contenders in Aberdeen
MANAGER Steven Mackay says Brora Rangers are relishing playing in the big matches as they prepare for another massive clash in the Highland League when they take on fellow title contenders Banks O’Dee.
Second meets third in the Highland League in Aberdeen as both teams will be desperate to close the gap on league leaders Brora Rangers who are six points clear at the top of the table.
The Cattachs go into the match after coming from behind to beat Formartine United 2-1 in the Scottish Cup and progressed to the third round where they will take on Championship outfit Livingston.
Banks O’Dee are also through to the third round of the Scottish Cup after causing the shock of the second round defeating East Fife 1-0 in Methil last week.
Speaking on Brora Rangers TV, Mackay said the Cattachs are coming through on top in the big games in recent weeks and says Saturday at Spain Park is another massive test.
“These are the games that we want to be involved with,” he said.
“They are important games that are on a knifedge, it is because they mean so much.
“The North of Scotland Cup Final was huge for us and the Scottish Cup is an important competition and historically a competition that we have done well in.
“It was important that we won the game and now we focus on league duty. We have a tough game away to Banks O’Dee who have had a fantastic result away to East Fife.
“The games come thick and fast and they are big important games but that is where we want to be.”
Brora Rangers defeated Formartine United 2-1 at Dudgeon Park on Saturday as they came from behind at half time to secure victory with goals from Andrew Macleod.
Mackay says it was a close contest where Brora did just enough to secure victory.
“It was a really close game and there was not much between the two sides.
“The weather played a part in that, they used the wind to their advantage in the first half and we did the same in the second.
“It wasn’t a game for the purist, we knew that when we turned up and saw the condition, it was case of rolling up the sleeves.
“I was pleased the score was just 1-0 at half time, with a strong wind we felt we could put pressure on them and force errors and that was the way the game turned out. It was important to get into the next round.
“They put us under a lot of pressure in the first half with long throws and set plays.
“We were punished with the goal but outwith that we defended the corners really well with the wind behind us, knowing the ammunition we have on the bench and I was confident we could turn it around. Andrew came on for Ali Sutherland and took his goal rally well.
“I knew we could get the second, it was a great set piece from Craig McKeown and a brave header from Colin. I was delighted with the manner we had to win dirty.”
