Press and Journal Highland League champions Brora Rangers started their campaign by producing the kind of resounding victory Cattachs supporters became so used to last season – a 6-0 thrashing of Huntly.
But this was no normal day at Brora as, after 52 years in the Highland League, the club finally raised the championship flag.
If Brora’s opening-day application sets the tone for the season ahead, then it is hard to see past another title for the Dudgeon Park men – and that is exactly the aim of prolific attacker Zander Sutherland.
Sutherland said: “Hopefully, we have the same attitude every week and can go out and retain our title.
“The supporters deserved their moment and without them this probably wouldn’t have happened. Sponsor Ben Mackay’s vision for the club is to do this for a long time.
“The target is to retain our league title and, hopefully, add to the two trophies we won last year.”
Sutherland’s campaign began with a flier when he scored a hat-trick in the Petrofac Training Cup victory against Stenhousemuir last weekend.
His role in the win over Huntly was different, but equally effective, as he provided four assists for his team-mates.
He added: “We all have to work hard together as a team otherwise we’re not going to achieve anything.
“I was a bit frustrated not to score, but I had a few assists so I’m happy enough with that.
“There’s nothing better than getting a goal but as long as we get the three points I’m pretty chuffed.”
Huntly arrived at Brora with every intention of spoiling their hosts’ big day and competed well in the opening 20 minutes.
But they struggled to provide quality service for debutant forward Craig Morrison.
But it was Brora who threatened first when Martin Maclean’s low drive was clutched impressively by goalkeeper Grant Pennet.
Huntly’s first attempt came in 18 minutes when Neale Davidson cut in from the left and produced a low shot which Joe Malin did well to beat away.
Pennet again stood his ground to make excellent stops from Steven Mackay and Andrew Greig, but Brora’s breakthrough came just before the half-hour mark.
Mackay found Sutherland and he in turn released Greig, who struck the ball past Pennet at his near post.
Brora were dealt a blow in 32 minutes when new signing Adam Porritt was forced off with a leg injury and was replaced by James Ross.
Despite the setback, Huntly were still very much in the game.
But their task was made far more difficult four minutes prior to half-time when Sutherland’s cross was met by the unmarked Colin Williamson who headed home at the far post.
Huntly sensed the need for an early second-half goal and came close when Adam McNamee shot inches wide of the left-hand post.
However, Brora added a third in 62 minutes courtesy of another free header, with Sutherland setting up Mackay to nod past Pennet into the far corner.
Mackay grabbed his second and Brora’s fourth in 73 minutes, sidestepping Sam McKenzie before drilling low into the net.
Three minutes later, substitute James Ross got his name on the scoresheet with a sizzling low drive from the edge of the box following Sutherland’s cut-back, with Gavin Morrison’s deflected 30-yard free kick rounding off the scoring seven minutes from time.