Brora manager dedicates sensational Scottish Cup win to club stalwart Sheena
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As the final whistle sounded on Brora Rangers' sensational Scottish Cup victory over Hearts last night, manager Steven Mackay found his thoughts turning to a stalwart who passed away recently after serving the club for more than half a century.
He dedicated the 2-1 win to Sheena Manson, who was a highly respected committee member of both the football club and the social club and was a well-known face around the Highland League. She died in February aged 89.
"What an unbelievable night. That win was for you Sheena," Mackay tweeted immediately after the game.
Hearts have a commanding lead at the top of the Championship and were hot favourites to win Tuesday's second-round clash at Dudgeon Park – especially as Brora hadn't played a competitive game for two-and-a-half months, and had managed only five training sessions and one friendly going into the game. The Edinburgh side reached the Scottish Cup final in each of the last two seasons, losing to Celtic both times, and won the trophy as recently as 2012.
But the tie started to go Brora's way when Jordan Macrae fired them ahead on 12 minutes. Scotland internationalist Christophe Berra equalised with 20 minutes remaining, only for Martin Maclean to find the net from a tight angle to restore the Sutherland side's advantage five minutes later.
The Highland League champions – who have played only three league fixtures this season because of Covid-19 restrictions affecting Scotland's lower divisions – held on for the greatest result in their history. They will be at home to League Two club Stranraer in the next round.
Mackay said later: “I’d like to dedicate that result to Sheena because she was the heart and soul of the club and she is sorely missed.
“I’m incredibly proud of every single player, and everyone that’s connected with the club. It’s just a monumental night for everyone involved with Brora Rangers.
“If you go in with the right attitude and belief sometimes results can go your way. That’s what has happened tonight."
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson was left to reflect on what he called "an embarrassment" and he admitted that their fans deserved an apology.
Another Championship side, Caley Thistle, got a fright before coming through 3-2 against Buckie Thistle.
James Keatings and Sean Welsh scored for Inverness in the first half at Victoria Park, either side of Jack Murray's goal for Buckie.
It remained 2-1 until six minutes from the end when Callum Murray pounced to equalise for the Highland League side and threaten to push the tie into extra time. But within two minutes Daniel Mackay netted at the other end for Caley to book a Highland derby against Ross County in the next round.
Formartine United will play Premiership side Motherwell in the third round after goalkeeper Kevin Main became a birthday hero in their penalty shoot-out win over Annan Athletic. The sides finished 1-1 after extra time but Main, on the day he turned 39, saved three Annan spot-kicks as United went through 3-1.
Keith put up a brave fight but lost 2-0 at home to Clyde and Huntly went down 4-0 at Dumbarton.
Nairn County lost 7-1 at home to Montrose.
