Campbell is the hero with late winner
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CRAIG Campbell was the toast of Dudgeon Park on Saturday after his 93rd-minute strike kept the Cattachs' Breedon Highland League title hopes alive after the game against Inverurie Locos looked like ending in a goalless stalemate.
An elated assistant manager David Calder said: "We had to go for it near the end with four forwards on the park. It was a vital three points – we've now had seven consecutive clean sheets and 10 league wins in a row, which is pleasing."
Stalwart groundsman Sandy Matheson had again produced a pitch looking in immaculate condition despite the poor overnight weather.
Steven Mackay, Zander Sutherland and Kyle Macleod all had half chances but were unable to convert.
On 20 minutes Brora had the ball in the net but the referee decided that it had crossed the dead-ball line prior to being hooked back for Martin Maclean to bundle home.
The weather continued to deteriorate during the break. While underfoot conditions held up, the sleet and wind worsened and unforced errors began to creep in.
On 57 minutes Andy Reid produced a superb save, tipping Gavin Morrison's goal-bound shot over his bar.
Locos countered and a rare mistake by Mark Nicolson saw Chris Angus through on goal, but Malin saved low to his left. With 75 minutes gone, Jamie Michie was the hero for the visitors as he somehow cleared off the line from Dale Gillespie.
With five minutes remaining, assistant manager Calder threw Campbell into the fray and it turned out to be an inspired substitution.
Deep in stoppage time, one last Brora attack led to a melee and Campbell managed to beat Reid from close range.
Player/manager Steven Mackay said: "Near the end we felt it wasn't going to be our day. Andy Reid was a star, making some great saves, while we were a bit wasteful in the final third at times."
Inverurie manager Neil Cooper said: "I thought our attitude was first class and we defended really well as a team. To lose a goal so late was really disappointing."
Brora continue their title challenge tomorrow when they make the journey to Fort William.
