It was a long road up to Brora on Saturday and an even longer one home after a 4-1 defeat for Locos in the first round of the Highland League Cup.
Locos didn’t have their troubles to seek. McLean, Adams and Begg were all suspended, Marc Young was stretchered off with a bad leg break in the first half, and the returning Martin Bavidge had to call it a day with what looked like a recurrence of his hamstring problem.
There were dark mutterings from some Locos supporters over the additional £1 admission price of £9.
Under the circumstances Locos performed credibly. Brora were heralded on to the field by the tannoy announcer as “Highland League champions”, but they looked very rusty in the first-half.
However, Locos failed to take advantage despite creating some chances and fell behind to a poorly defended goal from a corner kick on the stroke of half-time. This was all the more galling as the referee was unsighted when the ball initially crossed the Locos goal-line and looked to his linesman for assistance in deciding whether it was a goal kick or corner.
The linesman perhaps had his mind on his half-time pie and made an ambiguous half-wave of his flag which the referee interpreted (or chose to interpret) as a corner. This was just another example of a gutless linesman not able or willing to make a clear decision or even consult. Sometimes I think they should just be abolished!
The Brora fans were relieved, but their concern returned early in the second period when Andy Hunter equalised with a stunning trademark goal from 30 yards into the top corner. Brora showed their mettle with a quick repost and, as Locos tired, they ran out deserved winners with another two good goals. The margin of victory somewhat flattered the hosts.
Brora must have been disappointed at the size of the crowd – not many over 100 for such an attractive tie between two of the top Highland sides.
For Locos – their concern is the loss of interest in all cup competitions by early February and only eight league matches to play. Another quiet Spring in the better weather beckons after the supporters have had to endure rain, snow, hail, gale-force winds, and sub-zero temperatures throughout the winter. Surely one of the cup competitions could be scheduled towards the end of the season.