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Watch highlights and interviews with managers Gavin Price and Steven MacKay after Elgin City's 3-2 pre-season friendly defeat at home to Highland League champions Brora Rangers.


By Craig Christie

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ELGIN City let a two-goal lead slip as they were deservedly beaten by Highland League champions Brora Rangers at Borough Briggs.

Andy MacRae runs at the Elgin defence. Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Andy MacRae runs at the Elgin defence. Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Some highlights from Saturday's Borough Briggs friendly.

The League 2 side built on their earlier pre-season wins over Lossiemouth and Forres by going 2-0 up in the first half, Kane Hester scoring both.

But Brora, in their first fixture since the Highland League season closed down in March, produced an impressive response to turn the contest around and win 3-2.

Reaction to his team's defeat from Elgin City manager Gavin Price

The Cattachs, who might have been playing Elgin on league business had they not been denied a League 2 play-off, looked impressive.

Brora Rangers manager Steven MacKay was delighted by his team's comeback and fitness levels

Elgin started well and scored on three minutes when striker Kane Hester latched on to a long ball from goalkeeper Kane Hester to lob Brora trialist goalie Jamie Stephen.

Hester added a second on 37 minutes, running on to Smart Osadolor's ball to round Stephen and find the net.

Brora Rangers defender Mark Nicolson on his old stomping ground at Borough Briggs. Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Brora Rangers defender Mark Nicolson on his old stomping ground at Borough Briggs. Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Brora grew into the contest and on the stroke of half time they pulled back a goal.

Bjorn Wagenaar's superb free kick struck the bar and fell kindly for ex-City man Greg Morrison to fire home.

Bjorn Wagenaar's free kick beats Elgin keeper Tom McHale and hits the bar, but Greg Morrison followed up to score Brora's first goal. Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Bjorn Wagenaar's free kick beats Elgin keeper Tom McHale and hits the bar, but Greg Morrison followed up to score Brora's first goal. Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

The Highland League side, who made four half time changes, were dominant from the start of the second half and drew level when one of their subs, Martin MacLean, fired home at the second attempt on 63 minutes.

Osadolor blazed over with the goal at his mercy two minutes later, and Brora made the home side pay at the other end.

Brora match winner Andy Macrae holds off Elgin centre back Angus Mailer. Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Brora match winner Andy Macrae holds off Elgin centre back Angus Mailer. Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Jordan MacRae's drive was blocked and spun up in the area, before Andy MacRae was given space to gather and turn before drilling a low drive into the bottom corner.

Sub Tom Kelly skied a great chance to make it 4-2, A MacRae also fired over and J Macrae had a goal disallowed for an offside decision near the end and Brora chased more goals.

Elgin sub Josh Peters should have levelled when put clean through in the box only to drag his shot wide.

Josh Peters misses a late chance to level for Elgin. Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Josh Peters misses a late chance to level for Elgin. Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Right at the death, Brora keeper Stephen misjudged a Stephen Bronsky punt forward but Aiden Sopel was ruled offside as he stole in behind to stroke the ball home.

Elgin: McHale, Cooper (Wilson 72), Spark, Mailer, Bronsky, MacEwan, Linden (T) (MacBeath 56), Dingwall (Hay 83), Hester (Peters 56), Osadolor (Loveland 83), O'Keefe (Sopel 72).

Brora: Stephen (T), Pickles (C MacRae (T) 78), A MacDonald, Williamson (Gamble (T) 46), Nicolson, N MacDonald (Gillespie 46), Morrison, Wagenaar (MacLean 46), J MacRae, A MacRae, Brindle (Kelly 46).

Ref: Gordon Seago.


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