No Grady deals till title’s won
GRADY McGRATH insists he has shelved thoughts of his future to focus on securing Brechin City’s title and promotion dream.
The free-scoring frontman grabbed his 32nd goal of the campaign in a 5-1 weekend triumph over Turriff United that was all the more crucial given Buckie Thistle’s latest slip.
But despite his prolific record, McGrath has not always been first choice since Gavin Price replaced St Johnstone-bound Andy Kirk, with Saturday’s display coming only his third start since mid-January.
With Danny Handling netting a hat-trick and Euan Spark also on target in a man of the match performance, the victory took the title destiny firmly back in their own hands.
Ahead of a crunch trip to face Buckie on Wednesday night, Brechin sit 10 points above their biggest challengers, who have two games in hand.
That means even a Buckie win in midweek would not be enough to wrench control of the title race out of the Glebe Park outfit’s control heading into the last few games.
McGrath said: “All of my focus is on Brechin and trying to win the league.
“I’ve not decided anything when it comes to what happens beyond the end of the season – there will be a time and a place for that.
“My priority is helping the club win the league and get ourselves back into the play-offs for promotion to the SPFL, which is where the club wants to be.”
Buckie’s fourth slip-up in seven games, away to Wick Academy, means nothing short of a win will do for them this midweek.
Marc MacGregor fired the Caithness hosts in front after 14 minutes and the lead was doubled by Kyle Henderson just nine minutes later.
Buckie’s anticipated second half response never quite materialised and MacGregor completed his brace in 85 minutes. Two minutes later, Jack Murray netted a consolation for Buckie.
Banks o’ Dee stayed third in the table after beating Formartine United 4-1.
Mark Gilmour, Garry Wood and Hamish MacLeod were on target for the Aberdeen outfit before Julian Wade pulled one back for the Pitmedden side.
But Ethan Cairns added to Dee’s tally before the end.
Forres Mechanics and Nairn County drew 0-0 in local derby action at Mosset Park, while second top Fraserburgh triumphed 5-0 against Rothes at Bellslea.
Robbie Foster’s goal gave Huntly a 1-0 win over Brora Rangers at Christie Park, while Keith extended their unbeaten league run to nine matches with a 2-1 victory over Inverurie.
Lossiemouth drew 3-3 with Deveronvale at Grant Park and Strathspey Thistle defeated Clachnacuddin 2-1 in the battle of the bottom two at Seafield Park.