Brora Rangers were overtaken at the top of the Highland League table by Buckie Thistle on goal difference but had it not been for Craig Campbell’s late double it would have been even worse for the Sutherland side against Nairn.
Once again want-away Brora club captain Steven Mackay was absent, with the prolific 35-year-old forward not even meriting a place on the bench alongside Campbell.
Brora manager Grant Munro would not be drawn on the matter, preferring to concentrate on the game itself.
He said: “Perhaps there was a bit of complacency from my players but certainly not from myself as Nairn were well worth their 3-1 advantage at that stage of the game.
“If I was one of their squad I would be disappointed that they were unable to go on and get a victory as Nairn would have deserved it.
“I have no complaints about the result whatsoever as we were very poor, although credit to my players.
“They kept going to the very end and that is the only positive I can take from the game as Nairn were well worth their point if not more as they were the better team overall.”
Reflecting on substitute Campbell’s contribution from the bench, Munro added: “Craig is a proven scorer.
“He is probably a bit frustrated at not getting a regular start, but he’s not one to moan. He gets his head down and works extremely hard.”
County midfielder Ross Naismith, who scored his side’s opener, had mixed feelings. He said: “Before the game we would have been delighted at the thought of taking anything away from a trip to Brora but, in the end, we’re disappointed as we were 3-1 ahead with just quarter of an hour to go and looking quite comfortable.
“Brora’s experience told and on reflection it was still a very good point for ourselves and an excellent overall performance.”
County took the lead in the 20th minute when Wayne Mackintosh played in Naismith, who beat Joe Malin, and seven minutes later Nairn doubled their advantage when Gary Kerr scored from just inside the box.
Brora pulled one back before the break through Paul Brindle before County restored their two-goal advantage just after the break when Gregg Main scored from the spot after Jamie Duff was penalised for holding in the box. However, two superb Campbell strikes in the final 15 minutes denied Nairn victory.
