Campbell wants Brora Rangers title best as they face Buckie Thistle in Highland League
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CRAIG Campbell is urging Brora Rangers to hit Buckie Thistle with their very best tomorrow as the two title contenders scrap for precious points.
With the Highland League title race absolutely cut-throat this season, there is little margin for error when any of the leading sides clash.
Campbell believes that Brora, 2–0 victors over Graeme Stewart’s team at Dudgeon Park last September in the league, can secure a massive three points if they are at the top of their game.
“There are four or five teams at the top of the league that are pretty close in terms of how it will finish at the end of the season,” the Cattachs’ boss said.
“That makes the games against each other even bigger. We’re under no illusions that it is a big game, but nothing is won or lost in the league at this stage of the season.
“It is one we’re really looking forward to. We played them in the SPFL Trust Trophy last month and drew 1-1, before they beat us on penalties.
“It was a very open, entertaining game with two teams going at it and trying to win, so we know what to expect from them. We always get a tough game.”
The league table currently speaks volumes as to how closely-matched Brora and Buckie are, with the joint second-placed sides locked on 18 points, three behind Brechin City, with just three goals conceded. Brora have netted 23 times already, Buckie 24.
Brora’s home win last season was tempered by a 5-0 beating at Buckie’s Victoria Park the following March, outcomes which underline the importance of home advantage.
“Graeme Stewart (Buckie manager) always has them well organised and up for it,” Campbell stressed.
“It’s important we try and reach the levels we know we can. If we do, I think we will do okay.
“It is difficult for us going down there and it is the same for them travelling to play us. We have the home advantage on this occasion and would like to make the most of it and get a positive result.”
Buckie are known for being physical and direct, but Campbell is well aware of their quality as well.
“They’ve got a good mixture of players. They have a physical side to them, but also good players,” he said.
“Andy Macaskill is a very good footballer and they have plenty of legs in their team as well. We know exactly what to expect from them. We know their players and how they play, so there’s no reason why we can’t set up to combat that.”
Brora have been playing well, defending well and building momentum, either side of a disappointing 2-1 defeat away to title contenders Formartine.
“There’s always things to improve on – the boys are probably fed up hearing it!” Campbell said. “But they’re not conceding the goals we were leaking last year, so hopefully we can carry that on.”
Injured James Wallace will be missing for Buckie’s visit.
