Ali Sutherland targets title with boyhood club as he believes Brora Rangers' character can keep them in Highland League mix
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Ali Sutherland believes big characters and a fierce winning mentality at Brora Rangers can keep title hopes burning brightly deep into the new year.
The Cattachs’ attacker admits that navigating a tricky run of games through December and the festive period will be crucial if they are to seriously pressure favourites Brechin City.
But the former Caley Thistle frontman is confident the strength of focus is there to do exactly that.
Brora have an idle weekend approaching after the disappointment of a Highland League Cup exit to Banks O’Dee, but square up to Jamie Watt’s side on December 10.
After that revenge mission, they need full points at home to Rothes before a fiery Christmas derby double header with Wick Academy.
An extra game can take Craig Campbell’s men above current leaders Buckie Thistle, but Brechin sit three points ahead with a game in hand.
Intriguingly, though, the unbeaten Angus club face Buckie on December 17, Banks O’Dee either side of Christmas and Rothes and Fraserburgh early in 2023.
“The setback against Brechin wasn’t ideal, but the boys have been playing well,” Brora-raised Sutherland said.
“All of the bigger teams in the league are playing each other in coming weeks and, hopefully, some of them will do us a favour.
“We just have to keep winning. It’s an important time around Christmas. Hopefully we’re there or thereabouts after the festivities.
“I’ve really enjoyed winning two cups with Brora after lifting the League Cup with Rothes in 2020, but the league is the one that everyone wants.
“It would be lovely to experience it with my hometown club. The aim is to win every game, but it is easier said than done.
“The manager is demanding, especially on attacking players but that’s all part of the ethos at our club.
“It isn’t just the manager, but the likes of Josh Meekings and our assistant Stuart Golabek – all of us have that demand for high standards from each other.”
Sutherland first experienced that mix of close camaraderie and ferocious winning mentality at Caley Thistle as a young talent.
“When I was coming through there, Josh was a regular. It was pretty surreal when he signed for Brora. He had a few injuries last season, but he’s been top class this season. It is great having him in the team.
“They were all big characters and great boys in that Caley Thistle side and I had some of my best times in football there.”
