Mackay achieves a new milestone
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PLAYER/manager Steven Mackay notched up his 200th league goal for Brora Rangers as they ran out comfortable winners 4-0 against Forres Mechanics in Saturday's Breedon Highland League fixture at Dudgeon Park.
A brace of goals by both Mackay and Dale Gillespie saw the Cattachs maintain their pressure on Cove Rangers and Fraserburgh at the top of the table.
The home side showed no ill-effects from their narrow Scottish Cup defeat at Cowdenbeath the previous weekend, although they were without the ever-dangerous Paul Brindle who was sidelined with a hamstring problem.
It took Brora only a couple of minutes to open the scoring, when Mackay latched on to a loose ball in the box and knocked home from close range. It looked as if Martin Maclean had doubled the advantage, but stand-in Forres keeper Blair Moir made an outstanding stop low to his left.
Forres steadied their ship and dropped another man back into the middle. They saw out the remainder of the first half without any further damage, restricting Brora to a single-goal lead at the interval.
As is becoming a regular trait, the Brora players emerged from their tea break with renewed vigour and the influential Gillespie quickly added a second after 60 minutes.
However, it could have been very different as a quick break from the sharp Andrew Macrae saw his shot superbly saved by Joe Malin in the Brora goal before most people had returned to their seats following the half-time pies.
Brora dominated the second half and it was no surprise when Mackay grabbed the third, his second of the game, and his 200th for Brora in the league. Gillespie made it four following some lovely football.
Post-match, Mackay spoke glowingly of his team's performance, especially in the second half where they dominated for long periods. "The second goal from Dale Gillespie was a great goal and effectively killed the game. It was a huge result for us given the way other results went on the day."
Club chairman William Powrie praised Mackay's contribution to the club over the past six years and his remarkable track record as a goalscorer.
"Steven keeps himself incredibly fit and remains one of the top marksmen in the league," the chairman said. "He leads by example and despite his managerial role he thoroughly enjoys the cut and thrust of the game, and I certainly wouldn't bet against him adding significantly to his tally."
Brora return to cup duty on Saturday when they travel to Buckie in the Highland League Cup second round.
Related article:
Mackay hits 300 mark in cup win
