Brora rangers got back to winning was today with a 3-0 win against a
Strathspey side who saw goalkeeper Willie Ridgers sent off in the second
half. The blend of youth and experience of Brora proved to be the
winning formula for the home team. This showed within the first 4
minutes when Steven Mackay found Craig Ross at the back post however the
18 year old attacker failed to get a vital touch to the ball. It was
young Craig who was to get the second clear cut chance when Richie Hart
chipped a ball over the back four and from the left Ross failed to beat
Ridgers from what was a tight angle. The game was then held up for 4
minutes when a clash of heads occurred, this on the clearance of a Sid
Mackay attack which saw Ridgers pull off an impressive save. Ross and
Mackay at times were too hot to handle and on 36 minutes their
persistence paid off. Sid Mackay got the ball at feet before turning and
sending a low pass to the right where Ross was able to beat Ridgers
from 6 yards. 16 year old John Allan was in goal for Brora and straight
from tw restart after the goal he was called in to action when Marc
Macdonald ran through the defence but the young keeper was off his line
well to block Macdonalds attempted chip. The Cattachs could have
extended their lead just on half time when Richie Hart headed the ball
down to Sid Mackay whose shot was saved well by Ridgers and the follow
up impressive blocked by a rushing Scott Hendry. Strathspey failed to
come out of the traps as quick as Brora in the second half. Ross Tokley
played a long ball to Liam Baxter on the left, who lobbed the ball on to
the head of Sid Mackay and his looping header landed over Ridgers and
in the back of the net. The home team were in full attack mode with
Andrew Greig and 16 year old James Ross throwing in numerous crosses.
Sid Mackay and Craig Ross giving up 2 good chances which should have put
the game to bed. On the hour mark Strathspey made their most
impressive attack when Sandis Reinsons received the ball on the left,
cut in and got a shot away. The shot looked destined to land in the back
of the net however Allan pulled off a world class save to deny the
attacker. The major talking point in the game arrived 67 minutes in.
Sid Mackay sent through on goal from a Ross Tokley chip, Willie Ridgers
rushed out and got to the ball first however referee Ross adjudged the
goalkeeper of handling it outside the box. The referee then brandished
an red card for the keeper much to everyone's amazement as even the
Brora players campaigned with referee to change his mind. From the
resulting free kick Sid Mackay curled the ball past sub keeper Cameron
Dudgeon and in to the net to make it 3-0. Had it not been for Marc
Macdonalds reading of the game Brora would have extended their lead.
Andrew Greigs cross come shot from the left had Dudgeon beaten in the
Strathspey goal but Macdonald was able to get to it before it had
crossed the line. Brora were to have the ball in the net again. Richie
Harts free kick from wide right landed on the head of Martin Maclean,
his initial header off the bar, his second header saved and Sid Mackay
was there to tap in although Doug Ross had blown for a foul on the
goalkeeper. Another 16 year old came on for Brora. Ben Bruce made a
very quick impact in the game when he met youth development companion
James Ross' cross but the youngster failed to up enough power in to the
header to beat the keeper. The home team happy to collect the full
three points at full time as they continue to allow their youth players
to make their mark at this level. For Strathspey a very frustrating day
at the office.
