Brora Rangers are two wins away from claiming the Highland League title as midfielder looks to get the job done with wins over Huntly and Rothes
BRORA Rangers will win the Highland League if they can pick up victories in their final two matches of the season against Huntly and Rothes.
Midfielder Tony Dingwall says nobody in the squad is seeing the title race as a foregone conclusion, saying they can’t let their recent form slip if they want to win the trophy.
The Cattachs overcame a massive hurdle when they defeated Banks O’Dee 2-0 at Dudgeon Park last weekend.
Shane Sutherland opened the scoring midway through the first half before Dingwall scored the second nine minutes from time to secure the victory.
Both Brora and Brechin City are level on 76 points, but Brora are 30 goals better off on goal difference, so maximum points will guarantee them the title.
Dingwall (30) says the prospect of possibly lifting the trophy on the final day of the season at Dudgeon Park in front of their own fans is driving the players to ensure they pick up wins in both matches.
He said: “It is a massive incentive, we need to win both games to definitely win the league.
“There is no hiding from that is what we need to do. If we can go into the final game against Rothes with it still in our hands, it will be a great day for everyone involved if we win.”
Brora Rangers face Huntly after thrashing them 5-0 at Christie Park last week in what Dingwall described as their best performance of the season.
However, he is wary of the threat Huntly will pose them at Dudgeon Park, saying they are a team capable of picking up points against anyone.
He said: “We are preparing for a tough game as Huntly can take on anyone in the league.
“Our win at Christie Park was probably our best performance of the season and if we play like that again, the result will take care of itself.”
“If you offered us this position at the start of the season we would have bitten your hand off for it. It is in our hands barring a miracle in goal difference.
“We couldn’t be in a better position, so we will look to get through it and then go into the final game looking to beat Rothes.”
The Highland League title race has swung back and forth between Brora and Brechin City this season. But Brechin looked to be firm favourites to win the title after defeating Brora Rangers 2-0 at Dudgeon Park last month to go three points clear.
However, four days later, Brechin lost 1-0 at Inverurie with Brora going back top with a 5-0 victory over Keith.
Dingwall admitted there have been times when Brora have thrown results away this season. But they have worked hard to pounce on Brechin’s mistakes to get back on top.
He said: “We have beat ourselves a few times this season.
“At some points we were flying and at other times we chucked it in.
“There have been a few shockers for us along the way, but Brechin have also done the same.
“Then Brechin turned us over at Dudgeon Park and then get beat by Inverurie on Wednesday.
“After getting beat by Brechin, the manager said to us just to take care of our own results and see where it takes us.
“Then Inverurie did us a massive favour beating Brechin. Everything is back in our hands, but there are two games to go and we are definitely not getting ahead of ourselves yet.”
Whoever wins the Highland League title will face East Kilbride in the League Two play-offs semi final.