Brora Rangers edged past an under-strength Turriff United to secure three valuable points which took them to the top of the Highland League.
Rangers’ caretaker-manager Steven MacDonald said: “We dominated the first half and deserved to be more than one goal ahead at half-time. That said, Turriff probably had the best chance of the half after a slip at the back left them with a great chance.
“They equalised early in the second half on the back of a silly mistake by us, Turriff were excellent after that and Joe Malin had to show what an outstanding goalkeeper he is with several brilliant saves. A great goal from Scott Lisle gave us the winner.”
With nine players missing United manager Ross Jack said: “Early on in the game Brora pinned us in our own box for around 15-20 minutes but never really had any shots on target. We conceded a soft goal to go in 1-0 down at half-time, but in the second half Joe Malin was absolutely outstanding for them.
“I was very proud of the performance but disappointed with the result.”
Brora led 1-0 thanks to Paul Brindle’s 32nd minute finish from an Andrew Greig cross, United centre half Cammy Bowden levelled in the 52nd minute but teenager Lisle sealed a home win in the 77th minute with a ferocious 20-yard drive.