PICTURES: Rothes go down fighting to Fraserburgh and relinquish their defence of the GPH Builders Merchants Highland League Cup in Mackessack Park quarter-final
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A SLOW start cost Rothes as their defence of the Highland League Cup came to an end with a 2-1 defeat to Fraserburgh on Wednesday.
Goals from Scott Barbour and Paul Campbell in the first half an hour had the Broch two goals to the good, before Aidan Wilson pulled one back with a neat finish before half-time.
Manager Ross Jack said Rothes’ second half efforts merited a leveller, but they couldn’t quite find one.
“We started the game quite slowly and gave them a goal through a bad mistake and poor defending,” he said.
“We had a glorious opportunity to get back into the game, but two players combined to miss an open goal and not long after that we didn’t defend well at a corner and it was 2-0.
“We got back into it with a great Aidan Wilson goal and had a good talk at half-time.
“I couldn’t fault the second half performance. There was plenty of effort and endeavour but we didn’t get the equaliser we deserved.
“To be disappointed at not beating the league leaders in the cup shows how far we have come.
“We were determined to hold onto the cup for a while longer, but the Broch had good experience in their squad and knew all of the tricks of the trade and the dark arts.
“It wasn’t to be and we wish the Broch all the best.”
Rothes have played fewer matches than any other team in the Highland League, with 13 to fit in between now and April 23. It was announced yesterday that the Speysiders will host Brechin on Wednesday, before travelling to Clachnacuddin next Saturday and Turriff United the following Wednesday.
Ross Jack added: “The games are coming thick and fast, but we expected that. It’s going to be full on.
“We’ve got a good run of games coming up so we are hoping we can challenge for the top couple of places in the league.
“The park played extremely well against Fraserburgh but it might be a worry with too many home games on the trot.”
Rothes visit Deveronvale on Saturday in the league.
Jack added: “Craig Stewart has done well there but has been unfortunate with injuries and players leaving. They have had a series of tough results but have players who can damage us.”
