Highland League top two stay on title track as Huntly can’t stop Brora Rangers surge while subs score four goals to rescue Brechin City
The Highland League title chase is set to go to the wire for a fourth year in a row.
Brechin City overcame a scare at Strathspey Thistle on Wednesday night thanks to four goals from substitutes to turn the tide in the second half.
Huntly’s hopes of pushing for a top six place were dented by leaders Brora Rangers who were in ruthless form at Christie Park.
Keith had defeated Nairn in the first midweek match on Tuesday and it was up to the top two to take up the action the following evening.
The first goal of the night threatened an upset, as second-bottom Strathspey were awarded a penalty against second-top Brechin after just three minutes and Liam Shewan converted to create a shock lead.
The visitors then lost top scorer Dayle Robertson to injury, with former Republic of Ireland international Cillian Sheridan coming on.
It looked like Thistle would hold on to their lead until half time but Sheridan drew Brechin level on 41 minutes.
Recent Brechin signing, ex-Elgin City winger Mitch Taylor also came on as sub at the break and he took just eight minutes to find the net and edge the visitors in front.
That settled Brechin nerves, and in the closing 15 minutes both Sheridan and Taylor doubled their tallies to seal a 4-1 win.
Victory was more straightforward for Brora at Huntly, with four goals inside the opening 38 minutes effectively wrapping things up.
Huntly had posted some big wins themselves in recent weeks but found themselves on the receiving end as the Cattachs hit a first half purple patch.
Connor Bunce opened the scoring on 20 minutes, quickly followed by a Wallace Duffy counter and a brace of Tony Dingwall brace to floor the home side.
With the three points virtually secured, Brora needed just one more strike by Matty Wright to complete a 5-0 success.
The sides have to meet again on April 5 in one of Brora’s three remaining games, which are all at their Dudgeon Park home.
Brora’s toughest test comes on Saturday when they meet third-placed Banks o’ Dee while Brechin are away to Formartine United.
Brechin host Nairn County on the same Saturday of Brora’s rematch with Huntly, and on the final weekend of the season, Brora host Rothes and Brechin welcome Lossiemouth to Glebe Park.