Champions again and with the title secured at the home of their closest challengers.
How sweet it was for Brora Rangers who did it in style at The Haughs with two goals from who else but captain Steven Mackay which took his tally to 54 in another incredible season.
The challenges do not stop here for Davie Kirkwood’s team.
The opportunity to progress into the senior ranks will be taken. The application will be lodged before tomorrow’s deadline and the focus is on the two-legged match against Lowland League champions Edinburgh City before the winners face the worst team in League 2.
Brora’s rise during the past two seasons has been remarkable and although Ross Jack’s Turriff deserve immense praise for their own unbeaten run throughout the season, it was always going to be when and not if the Sutherland side retained its title.
Brora put eight goals past their nearest challengers at Dudgeon Park on August 16 and are determined to go through the league season undefeated.
Goals in either half from Mackay ensured the win and although Andy MacAskill pulled one back for United, Brora would not be denied.
Man of the match Mackay said: “To retain the title is a fantastic achievement for the club, it is always difficult to defend a title but we have done an amazing job of doing just that.
“We remain undefeated so far in the league with three games left to play – against Nairn, Keith and Rothes – so the aim is to go through the season unbeaten, which would be another fantastic achievement.
“Zander Sutherland always creates chances in games, as does Andy Greig, and I am very fortunate I am the one who gets those chances.
“They have played a part in about 70% of the goals I’ve scored this season.
“I thank them for that, but make no mistake they remind me of that fact after every game.”
Turriff were missing injured full back Lewis Davidson while former Huntly, Caley Thistle and Ross County defender Ross Tokely returned from working in Angola to make a surprise appearance in the Brora line up in place of Scott Graham.
Brora were quickly about their business and in the seventh minute Sutherland ran on to a long through ball from Scott Houston, but his 20-yard drive sailed over the crossbar.
A sign of things to come and although the strong cross-wind was making it tricky on the half hour mark Dale Gillespie let fly from 30 yards but his effort flew just wide of the Turriff upright.
Sutherland was next to try his luck but his swerving 20-yarder went straight to Kevin Main who gathered with ease.
Two minutes from the break Main did brilliantly to parry a superb Gillespie drive, but captain Mackay was on hand to guide the rebound past the helpless home goalkeeper from six yards to open the scoring.
Game on but three minutes after the restart Turriff’s Gary McGowan passed up a great opportunity to grab the equaliser when, from Chris Herd’s pass, the former Huntly and Deveronvale player shot wide from six yards.
A crucial moment as, just two minutes later, that man Mackay, almost made it 2-0 but this time Main dived to block the ball with his legs.
Joe Malin in the Brora goal did well to hold a rasping 15-yard effort from McGowan as the home side pushed for the equaliser but in the 71st minute Brora made sure of the win and the title when Sutherland and Mackay combined again with the captain steering home his 54th goal of the season from his team-mate’s cross.
Four minutes from time Turriff gave themselves a chance when substitute Gary Harris sent in a cross and MacAskill’s downward header gave Malin no chance.
In a nervy last few minutes Brora survived a loud claim for a penalty when Artjoms Kuznecovs drove the ball into a throng of players but referee Craig Sim waved play on and the final whistle sparked celebrations.
United goalkeeper Kevin Main, who won back to back titles with Buckie Thistle, acknowledged Brora were worthy champions.
He said: “No complaints. Mackay has scored 54 goals this season and Sutherland has chipped in with 30 or so, they have goals all over the park. They certainly know how to finish games and grind out a result so all credit to them for that, and for retaining their title.”