Resolute Fort undone by Brora set-pieces
THREE set-piece goals in the first half were the downfall of a resilient Fort William side as they succumbed to a 4- 0 home defeat to Brora Rangers on Saturday.
Fort William started with a more defensive formation than normal, hoping to frustrate their title contender opposition. Captain Iain Foggo returned to the starting line-up after a seven month lay- off with injury and led the team from a deep-lying midfield role.
Starting with a 4-1- 4-1 formation, the home side’s tactics seemed to be working in the first 15 minutes. The pressure eventually proved too much, however, and Steven MacKay put Brora 1- 0 up thanks to a finish from a corner. Colin Williamson doubled the visitors’ lead in similar style eight minutes later.
In open play, Fort William were containing the waves of Brora attacks well but once again it was from a corner that the away team got their third goal - Kyle Macleod netting just before half-time.
After a stern word from the management, the Lochaber outfit were keen to put their stamp on the game and in the first half an hour of the second half, they competed well with their Highland League rivals.
Seventeen-year- old goalkeep- er, Martin MacKinnon, on loan from Inverness Caley Thistle, had a standout performance between the posts and commanded his area with confidence throughout the match.
Despite his best efforts, Martin couldn’t stem the tide and an Andrew Greig strike in the 85th minute rounded off the scoring for Brora as Fort William began to wain.
In spite of the scoreline, co-manager Ali Smith remained positive about the performance.
‘Although we’re obviously disappointed, we are pleased with the improvement from last week.
‘Brora are a very professional side but I thought we dealt with them well in open play. It’s just the three goals from set-pieces that knocked us.
‘Martin’s performance in goal was a huge positive and he performed well beyond his years. We’re delighted to have him. Another positive was the return of Iain Foggo who I thought looked fit and composed considering his recent injury.
‘We did play defensively but it’s something we’re going to have to do against teams like Brora. In our next game against Huntly we’ll be far more positive in our tactics. Hopefully we get the three points and some momentum before a huge week for us, facing Elgin City before a crunch match against Strathspey.’
Fort William are away to Huntly in a Highland League fixture this Saturday, August 19, as their quest for points continues.
On Wednesday, the Fort are at home to League Two side Elgin City in a North of Scotland Cup tie at 7.30pm at Claggan Park.
The Lochaber side will be looking to repeat their performance in the competition last season when they made it to the final.