(18/02/2012 – SCOT-ADS HIGHLAND LEAGUE – DUDGEON PARK, BRORA)
Lossiemouth returned to winning ways with victory over a stuffy Brora Rangers at a chilly Dudgeon Park. An own goal put Lossie ahead early on and a Ross Archibald strike doubled the visitors lead before half time, before the weather deteriorated an the football suffered as a result.
Lossie started the game with both Archibald brothers on the field, while Bryan Bell captained the side on his last appearance prior to heading for Australia. Brora were well beaten in the previous meeting between the sides this campaign but were undefeated against Lossie last season, with only a late goal salvaging a point for Lossie on their last trip to Dudgeon Park.
The hosts made a bright start to the game, and were unfortunate to go behind on twenty minutes. A cross into the penalty area was met by Gordon Finlayson and his attempted clearance rebounded off the frame of Stuart Golabek and looped over the head of the helpless McCarthy and into the net.
Lossie doubled their lead shortly after. A poor goal kick from McCarthy landed at the feet of Ross Archibald, and the youngster raced towards goal before tucking the ball past the keeper from 18 yards.
As the half progressed the weather deteriorated rapidly, with thoughts turning to the possibility of the game being abandoned. As the snow and wind blew in all directions at once, the supporters huddled at the back of the enclosure but were out of luck as they searched for respite from the gales blowing across the pitch.
Brora were far from out of the game and went close to pulling a goal back when a Golabek free kick rattled the crossbar. In the last minute of the half Liam Baxter, tormentor-in-chief of Lossie last season, went through on goal with only McConnachie to beat, but the keeper was not for conceding and made a superb save to maintain his sides two goal advantage.
HALF TIME – BRORA RANGERS 0-2 LOSSIEMOUTH
As in their previous outing, Lossie started the second half slowly. The Coasters were not helped by the enforced substitution of the unwell Martin McMullan, replaced by Colin Charlesworth, and were further disrupted by the removal of Coco not long after as temperatures plummeted.
A free kick from the edge of the D presented Brora with their first chance of the half, but was curled high and wide of goal by Baxter, who was later substituted in a foul mood. For all their possession, Brora rarely troubled McConnachie and were restricted to set pieces, none of which hit the target.
Lossie defended stoutly but struggled to move the ball towards the Brora goal. On a rare excursion downfield Lossie set up a chance for Ross Archibald but the ball hit the wrong side of the side netting.
The full time whistle brought a cheer of relief from everyone involved, and Lossie now face Deveronvale as they attempt to record their first home win of the year.
FULL TIME – BRORA RANGERS 0-2 LOSSIEMOUTH
TEAMS:
BRORA RANGERS – Shaun McCarthy; Gordon Finlayson, Kyle Maclean, Chris Moir, Neil Gibb, Stuart Golabek, Blair Lawrie, Ryan Mackintosh, Gary Kerr, Daniel Mackay, Liam Baxter (Alex Macleod (80); UNUSED SUBS – John Mackay, Sean Munro, Craig Ross, Steven Martin
LOSSIEMOUTH – Darren McConnachie; Steven Sim, Stephen McKenzie, Bryan Bell, Kevin Flett, Martin McMullan (Colin Charlesworth (46) (Kevin Grant 65)), Tony Ross, Garry Macdonald, Nikki Smith (Jamie Bagley (80)), Ross Archibald, Liam Archibald; UNUSED SUBS – JJ Urquhart, Chris Stuart
GOALS:
LOSSIEMOUTH – Stuart Golabek (OG, 21), Ross Archibald (25)
REFEREE:
Bryran Braidwood (Aberdeen)