The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
MacRae is mighty for County as they dump Fraserburgh
NAIRNCOUNTY FRASERBURGH 3 1
Jordan MacRae hit a hattrick as Nairn earned an impressive Highland League victory against Fraserburgh.
The striker took his tally to the season to 23 and is targeting more goals in County’s final three games of the season.
Ronnie Sharp’s players are 11th in the table but eighth-placed Huntly are only four points better off than Nairn, having played two more matches.
MacRae believes the Station Park club should have its sights set on climbing the table after seeing off the Broch.
He said: “I felt we did deserved the win as we battled hard as a team and stayed solid at the back, which gave us confidence going forward.
“I would love us to push on and get into the top half and hopefully I’ll add a few more goals the tally.”
The defeat means that Fraserburgh have lost their last four league games, against Formartine, Wick, Cove and now Nairn.
That disappointing run came off the back of another defeat, by Formartine in the Highland League Cup final.
Broch manager Mark Cowie said: “We are low in confidence and not getting the breaks. to
“All we need is something to fall for us and we will get back to winning again.”
Despite their recent struggles, Fraserburgh started well at Station Park and quickly forced Nairn keeper Daniel Hoban into action as he saved a shot from Ryan Cowie.
Bryan Hay nodded an effort wide before another header from the defender was blocked by a combination of Hoban and Glenn Main.
Greg Buchan was the next Broch player to squander a scoring opportunity as his attempt to lift the ball over Hoban saw the ball drop just over the bar.
County took the lead just before the break when Adam Porritt’s cross from the right wing was headed into the net by MacRae.
Early in the second half, Broch keeper Peter Tait made a superb save from a shot by Dylan Mackenzie.
Nairn doubled their advantage when Willie West fouled MacRae in the penalty area and the striker scored from the resultant spot kick.
Fraserburgh rallied and, after missing several chances, pulled a goal back from a header by West.
But they were vulnerable on the counter and Nairn picked off their opponents in injury time when MacRae raced forward to complete his hattrick.