Brora Rangers boss Steven Mackay hailed their 1-1 draw with Scottish Cup opponents Morton as one of the best results in their history.
The Highland League leaders held the Championship side at Cappielow, earning a replay at Dudgeon Park a week tomorrow.
Mackay himself played in their run to the fifth round two seasons ago – when they beat East Fife and Stranraer – but it is a step-up to do it against full-time opposition.
Mackay said: “It’s probably up there. We had a run a couple of years ago in beating Stranraer and East Fife, although they were League 1 teams.
“They were great achievements but to come down to a full-time Championship side, albeit it’s a draw and not a victory, would still rank up there as one of the club’s best results.
“We’ve got a lot of belief in the squad. At home we’re strong so we’ve got every belief we can do something up in Brora. It’s a bit of a trek, especially up to Brora.
“Most of our boys are based in Inverness so it wasn’t too long of a journey, maybe four hours. But it’s another hour and 15 up to Brora, which is a journey I’m sure they’re not looking forward to.”
There was little reason Brora should have been overawed. Five of their starting line-up have played in the SPFL while the bulk of the squad that made it to the fifth round in 2017-18 remains intact.
Morton, by contrast, looked fragile, with the home support turning on them at each stray pass.
Morton’s slackness played a part in the opening goal, which deservedly went Brora’s way. Chris Millar dallied in possession and was robbed by Martin Maclean, creating a three-on-two.
He released Tom Kelly on the overlap and despite Danny Rogers beating away his shot at the near post, Ton could not clear.
Maclean got his body between the ball and Peter Grant and the defender bundled him to the turf, with referee Craig Napier decisive in awarding the spot-kick.
Dale Gillespie held his nerve, burying the penalty in the left corner to give the Cattachs the advantage, at a disgruntled Cappielow.
The home side got their break before the interval – despite Ally Macdonald turning Billy King’s cross against his own bar and Napier ruling it had not crossed the line. McAlister took aim during the drama that followed, and the otherwise-faultless Colin Williamson blocked the shot with his arm.
McHugh then beat the outstretched arms of Joe Malin from the spot.
Mackay added: “We said we’d try and bed ourselves into the game. We’re not foolish enough to be gung-ho. We got a penalty, which gave us confidence, but to lose a goal before half-time was disappointing.
“The boys were frustrated at half-time with the decision but I said to them ‘We’re 1-1 with a Championship side and we’re angry – use it and kick on’.”
Brora had to weather long spells of pressure in the second half, as Malin was needed to tip over Aidan Nesbitt’s goal-bound strike and Bob McHugh contriving to miss from three yards
Despite this, the Cattachs could have nicked it themselves through Paul Brindle, but a draw was still hugely creditable.
“Internally we always felt we could put on a display like we did,” added Mackay. “We felt if we caught Morton on an off-day, we could nick a draw or even better.
“It was really pleasing; everyone put in a phenomenal performance.”
