Brora Rangers manager Steven Mackay praised his side’s courageous display in last night’s 3-1 Betfred Cup defeat to Premiership side Hibernian.
A long night looked to be on the cards for the Cattachs when they found themselves two goals down after just 12 minutes, courtesy of a quickfire double from midfielder Stevie Mallan.
Brora men did brilliantly to contain the surge of Hibs pressure that followed to keep the scoreline down, with a fine spell of their own attacking threat at the start of the second half rewarded by a stunning free-kick by Dale Gillespie.
Although Hibs added a late third through Paul Hanlon, Mackay feels his side could leave Easter Road with their heads held high for showing such persistence against a side occupying third place in the top flight.
Mackay said: “It wasn’t the start we had planned, they caught us cold a little bit. This is our first competitive game in seven months, so we weren’t too harsh on the players at half-time.
“After going 2-0 down so early on, you maybe feared the worst, but they showed really good character. They responded really well in the first half, but even more in the second half.
“There were some little moments in the second half where, on another day, we could have nicked a second had we been a bit braver.
“It wasn’t to be, but I’m proud of the performance. We know what the boys are all about, they are not just good footballers but they have strong mentality.”
The trip to Easter Road would have been a mammoth task at the best of times, but not least when the Cattachs had not played any competitive action since March 7.
Hibs came into the match with momentum on their side having risen to third in the Premiership. Although Jack Ross made eight changes from the side which defeated Hamilton Accies 3-2 on Friday, the line-up featured a number of players hungry to stake a claim for more regular inclusion.
Brora completed the addition of former Ross County youngster Gregor MacDonald in time for him to feature among the substitutes.
Hibs took the lead when Mallan dispossessed Colin Williamson midway through the Cattachs’ half to allow him a clear run at goal, with Joe Malin unable to keep the midfielder’s effort out.
Mallan doubled Hibs’ advantage with another crisp strike just four minutes later, this time receiving a cutback from Melker Hallberg just inside the box. Although Malin once again got a strong hand on the effort, the strike proved too strong for him to keep out.
The Cattachs succeeded in keeping the scoreline down before the interval, and an excellent move nearly led to an opportunity on 56 minutes, with Martin MacLean exchanging passes with Ally MacDonald to go through on goal, however, Hibs goalkeeper Dillon Barnes was out quickly to smother.
Malin was called into action at the other end moments later, making an outstanding clawed save to keep out McGregor’s point-blank header from a Mallan corner. The Cattachs were rewarded for their courageous start to the second half on the hour mark however, with Gillespie drilling home a stunning free kick into Barnes’s bottom left corner from the edge of the box.
Brora took a clear jolt in confidence from the goal, with Mackay introducing fresh legs by bringing on Paul Brindle for Greg Morrison in pursuit of a late leveller. Brora had to contain further pressure, with Williamson blocking Doidge’s effort, while Malin tipped a Gray header over the bar.
Brindle struck over from distance in the dying moments, however, Hanlon’s header rounded off the scoring.