Bonus for Loons after fighting back to deny Brora

Forfar grabbed a penalty shoot- out bonus point against Brora Rangers in last night’s Betfred Cup game at Station Park.

But they had to work hard, coming from behind twice against the Highland League champions.

Forfar took the lead in the 33rd minute after an absolute howler from the Rangers keeper.

De fender Murray Mackintosh hoisted a high ball into the box that looked harmless and easy for Grant Beattie to gather. However, he misjudged the ball as it fell into his arms and he somehow spilled it over the line for a bizarre opener.

Daniel Hoban was in fine shot- stopping form for Forfar and he pushed away a powerful drive from Ally MacDonald but he could do nothing about Brora’s leveller in the 41st minute.

MacRae sent in a teasing cross from the left and the ball glanced off the head of Gary Irvine, deflecting it just enough to take it behind the despairing Forfar keeper for an own goal.

Brora started the second period in determined fashion and only the underside of the bar prevented them taking the lead when Bjorn Wagenaar stabbed a centre from Morrison off the woodwork.

But the visitors were not to be denied much longer and they did go ahead in the 51 st minute when Martin McLean finished from close range despite Hoban’s desperate attempts to claw the ball back from behind the line.

Completely against the run of play, Forfar equalised with 10 minutes remaining, Mackintosh grabbing his second after bursting into the box.

Brora refused to give up, however, and three minutes later they looked to have sealed the win with a brilliant header by MacRae from an excellent Dale Gillespie free-kick.

Forfar, though, hit back again and earned a penalty just three minutes from time after a reckless challenge in the box, with Jordan Allan slamming home from the spot.

More penalties soon followed, but Allan missed his initial spot- kick for Forfar, before their next four were converted to secure the bonus point before the final group game away to Cove Rangers on Saturday.

In Group D Montrose rounded off their campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Stirling Albion.

Lewis Hawke gave the young Links Park side the lead from close range after 20 minutes but the League Tw o hosts levelled 10 minutes from the break with a Sean Heaver goal.

The visitors went in at half-time behind as Heaver set up Dylan Mackin to net the Binos’ second goal five minutes after.

Montrose failed to find an equaliser and finish the group with one point.

Ross County moved of the group with a derby win at Elgin City. top 4-1