Fraserburgh manager Mark Cowie was thrilled by his side’s determination not to accept a Scottish Cup replay against Turriff United.
The Broch eventually snatched the win through United forward Darren Mackie’s own goal and a delighted Cowie said: “I’ve said it many times, but this team never knows when it is beaten.
“We all know how good a side Turriff are, in the first half they probably edged it as Andy MacAskill was giving us major problems. We changed things and put Dean Cowie on him, he was quieter in the second half as we managed to nullify him.
“We probably deserved our win because of the effort the players put in. On Wednesday night all but two of those players played 120 minutes in our Aberdeenshire Shield win at Buckie Thistle.
“I don’t know what it is about the Scottish Cup but Graham Johnston seems to come alive, his equalising goal to make it 1-1 was incredible and during the whole 90 minutes he caused them no end of problems.
“That was the Graham Johnston I know from the days when we played for the Broch together, he has that desire back which is great for us. That said, every one of the players was excellent.”
Now for the Bairns and Cowie added: “I spoke to the players before the game and asked them whether they fancied a home Highland League game against Rothes on the last Saturday of November, or a Scottish Cup third round trip to face last season’s finalists, Falkirk. We got our answer.”
A disappointed Turriff United manager, Ross Jack, reckoned there was little between two evenly-matched sides and said: “Fraserburgh didn’t have to work too hard for their goals, that was the disappointing thing for me.
“It was a great Scottish Cup tie, and at 2-1 I thought we were the team in charge, but the Broch just didn’t give up. We kept giving a way needless free kicks and unfortunately let them back into the game.
“We were the better team for large parts of the game, but when it comes to a bit of graft and spirit, everyone knows what Broch teams are like, they go to the bitter end.
“They knew this was tough place to come and win and they really celebrated their victory.
“I wish Fraserburgh all the best in the next round, but I am very disappointed in the way we capitulated in the last 10 minutes.
“We did enough to win the game, but we can’t seem to defend set-pieces very well.”