Brora Rangers manager is proud how his players rose to the occasion to seal historic treble by winning cup final against Fraserburgh in Inverness
MANAGER Steven Mackay praised his players for making history as Brora Rangers won a league and cup treble for the first time.
It completed a treble winning season after claiming the Highland League title last week and the North of Scotland Cup in October.
Mackay said they did speak about the treble and the chance to make history before the game and was proud his team rose to the occasion.
He said: “We talked about it before the game and said that the opportunity to win a treble does not come around very often.
“I told them they might never be in this situation again so go and grab it with it both hands.
“Boy did they do that, the start was always going to be frantic, but I told the boys not to try and make it frantic as I felt it would suit Fraserburgh.
“After that first 10 minute spell we showed that calmness and our football intelligence was incredible.
“We deserved it as we knew that it would be a tough game against Fraserburgh and we knew that we had to stand up against it.
“It would have been easy to say beforehand the Highland League and the North of Scotland Cup has been won and we’ll see how this game pans out.
“But that is not the mentality of this squad. I am thrilled to get over the line and create a bit of history.”
Max Ewan was the hero for Brora Rangers as he scored all three goals in the cup final.
Mackay paid tribute to Ewan saying he has played a vital part in achieving the club success this campaign.
He said: “The second goal was a beautiful goal and for me that was his best this season.
“He has been top notch in the last few weeks, he has been sharp in training and at times he was unplayable. A cup final hat-trick does not come along very often so it is nice for him.”
Brora Rangers now turn their attention to the League Two play-offs when they take on East Kilbride in the semi finals next weekend.
The winner will face either Bonnyrigg Rose or Forfar Athletic in the two-legged final, with it still to be decided who will finish bottom of League Two.
Bonnyrigg Rose are bottom of the table on 30 points, but moved to within four points of Forfar Athletic after beating them 2-0 at Links Park on Saturday with two games remaining.
Mackay said it would be a proud moment for him to lead Brora Rangers into League Two, but they have to concentrate on getting past East Kilbride in the semi final first.
He said: “We have four more cup finals coming up hopefully, we have played in nine cup finals in the last few weeks.
“We will start to think about East Kilbride, if we can put on a similar performance like we did against Fraserburgh then we will give ourselves a good chance.
“They will be tough, it is hard to say if they will be the toughest team we have faced this season as we have already taken on hard teams.
“It will be difficult as they are an experienced and aggressive outfit. But if we can perform like we did today we will give ourselves every opportunity to progress.
“It would be unbelievable and it would be third time lucky for me.
“I played in the first play-off final against Montrose and got sent off.
“I was manager against Kelty Hearts and we were short against a very strong team.
“I would be proud to be the first manager to guide Brora into the Scottish leagues, but we will see.
“We have to get through two really hard games against East Kilbride and then we will see how we get on.”