“Brora have proved they are the best team in the Highland League, but they are not winning the league at our place.”
The motivation is simple for Turriff United as they try to play the role of title party poopers when champions-elect Brora Rangers visit the Haughs today.
Midweek results have conspired against United, but midfielder Gary McGowan is determined to keep the champagne on ice in the visitors’ dressing room.
He said: “It’s a tough one for us as we slipped up badly at Nairn County on Wednesday.
“It was a frustrating game as we actually played really well at times but Nairn took their chances and we didn’t.
“We had hoped Wick Academy could do us a favour by getting a result at Brora and we could win at Station Park to set-up a massive game tomorrow, but both results have gone the other way meaning Brora can now win the league at Turriff.
“That’s the scenario we were dreading and we will be going all out to ensure we win the game and they are not crowned champions at our ground.”
While Turriff hope to delay Brora’s title celebrations McGowan concedes victory for his side today would only delay the inevitable.
McGowan said: “I’ve never said it publicly but Brora winning the league has been inevitable for a while. They are so much stronger than everyone else and their form and goal difference has proven that all season.
“It’s been a case of when they would win it rather than if.
“They are an exceptional team and are so strong in every department which is why we will have to be at our best if we are to beat them.”
While McGowan respects Brora’s form this season he believes his club’s consistency is equally worthy of praise.
Brora put eight goals past their nearest challenges at Dudgeon Park on August 16 but United recovered well from the loss to mount a strong challenge.
He said: “It has been a great effort from us regardless of what happened, but as things stand our season will be remembered for the last two games – a cup defeat at home to Cove and the midweek loss at Nairn.
“That’s unfair in my view as we were unbeaten for seven months of the season which was an incredible effort.
“I’ve been in the Highland League for 10 years and won the title with Huntly, but I’ve never been part of a team which put together a run like we did.
“It has been fantastic and while we’re disappointed with the last two results we want to show on our day we can beat Brora.”