Highland League Cup success can give Brora Rangers new title belief next season
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Craig Campbell is convinced Saturday’s Highland League Cup final triumph can ignite fresh trophy belief among Brora Rangers’ players for next season.
The Sutherland club fell away as Highland League contenders latterly this season, having endured a poor start, but the intent will be to recapture the crown next year.
Already, plans are afoot to replenish the ranks with new signings, with manager Campbell keen to build a larger and stronger squad for his first full season at the helm.
Brora beat Fort William, Wick Academy and then the league’s top three finishers – Brechin City, Fraserburgh and Buckie – on their way to only the club’s second ever League Cup success.
The job was completed at Nairn’s Station Park with goals from Jordan MacRae and Colin Williamson sealing a 2-1 triumph.
“We’ve had a bit of a transition over the last two seasons.We’ve lost experience, but brought in younger players,” Campbell stressed.
“It takes time with younger players, but that gives them the belief now that they can match the top teams and go and win.
“It definitely gives us something good to build on for next season.
“It’s a difficult cup to win. The club had only won it once before.
“We’ve played the three top teams – away to Brechin, away to Fraserburgh and then Buckie in the final, who were on an unbelievable winning run.
“You can’t take anything away from the boys, they thoroughly deserve it. We enjoyed our night after the final.”
Campbell admits he also felt under some personal pressure to deliver a trophy having lost put on his first crack at silverware in October’s 2–1 North of Scotland Cup final defeat to Rothes.
“It became a bit of a high-pressure situation, trying to get the first trophy behind us. We’d already been to a final and lost it,” he said.
“Our league form didn’t finish the way we wanted it to, so we knew the importance of winning the final, for the boys and for the club.
“In the first half against Buckie we were excellent – I’m not sure they knew what hit them.
“They put us under a little bit of pressure in the second half but with the experience in our squad we handled it and held on for the win.”
Brora will look to go out with a bang in their final league game tomorrow at home to Keith, before players of the year awards.
Then there will be talks between Campbell and club directors on strengthening the squad.
“We’re always on the look-out. After Saturday, the last game, we’ll get a sit-down with the club and identify our targets and see if anything can be done in the close season to strengthen the squad,” Campbell said.
“We’ve got most of the existing players tied up and there’s just the final touches to get done on Ally Macdonald’s new contract and Millar Gamble.
“It is quite a tight squad. We made it up with loans, but then lost Matthew Wright and Adam Mackinnon back to Ross County in January.
“I would like to run with a bit of a bigger squad because, throughout the season, injuries and suspensions, Covid as well, can make it difficult.
“It is always nice to finish the season at home and thank the fans. Hopefully we’ll put on a performance and get the win.”
