A thunderous strike from Michael Morrison set Inverurie Locos on their way to all three points at Brora Rangers as Dave Cormie's men showed no ill-effects from their energy-sapping Active Nation Scottish Cup elimination at Ross County on Monday evening.
The Cattachs were looking to bounce back from their disappointing derby defeat at Wick Academy last weekend and included recent loan signing Ross Sutter in their starting line up with the Ross County youth replacing the injured Gary Farquhar. Meanwhile, Mark Smith - snapped up from Rothes on Friday - was on the bench.
Chances were at an premium in the first half but Michael Morrison ensured that the visitors took a lead in with them at the break when he smashed home from the edge of the box after a free kick broke to the former Huntly and Forres Mechanics defender.
Half time: Brora Rangers 0 Inverurie Locos 1
The hosts were still well in the game but could have gone two behind on 58 minutes when a defensive mix up led to Steven Park shooting but his effort went just wide of Daniel Bell's post.
Brora were left cursing their luck just three minutes later when Jason Gunn had the ball in the net but his effort was ruled out by the officials. Then on 61 minutes, Liam Baxter ran through one-on-one with Locos goalkeeper Andy Reid but his execution was poor when well-positioned.
The increasing Brora threat seemed to be the wake up call Locos needed and they started to pile on the pressure, starting with Tommy Wilson's positive run into the box on 69 minutes although his shot was well saved by Bell, who was making his first home appearance for Brora.
Bell was again called into action just two minutes later when he came off his line to save well from Neil McLean after the Locos wide man had burst into the penalty area.
Inverurie made sure of all three points 10 minutes from the end though when substitute Ryan Broadhurst met a McLean ball into the box to power the visitors into an unassailable two-goal lead.
Full time: Brora Rangers 0 Inverurie Locos 2
Reporter: Dale Pryde-MacDonald |
