Fraserburgh will need to overturn a two-goal deficit against Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic at Bellslea if they are to reach the pyramid play-off final.
The Broch were defeated 3-1 by the Lowland League champions at New Dundas Park.
Keiran McGachie’s first half header gave the Rose a first half lead and Callum Connolly’s counter made it 2-0 early in the second half.
Paul Young pulled a goal back for the Breedon Highland League champions, but Lee Currie’s late free-kick gives Bonnyrigg a healthy advantage to take to Bellslea next Saturday for the second leg.
The visitors were backed by a 300-strong travelling support down from the north-east as around 1600 packed into New Dundas Park for this eagerly anticipated clash.
In a cagey first period the hosts enjoyed more of the ball but they didn’t create much with their possession.
Kerr Young sent a drive from long range swerving wide, but that aside Fraserburgh defended resolutely with goalkeeper Paul Leask seldom tested.
The Broch got into some good areas but also struggled to carve out decent chances with Scott Barbour’s tame shot wide their only effort at goal in the first 45 minutes.
But seven minutes shy of half-time Bonnyrigg took the lead with Lee Currie curling in a free-kick from the right and McGachie rising highest at the back post to head home.
Hosts double their lead
The first opening after the interval with goalkeeper Mark Weir spilling a cross, but Grant Campbell sliced a shot wide from the edge of the area.
But in the 54th minute Rose doubled their advantage with McGachie nodding down a long punt forward and Connolly was perfectly positioned to rifle a terrific half-volley into the left corner from 20 yards.
Although a thoroughly impressive side, Bonnyrigg also showed during the contest that they are adept at the ‘dark arts’ of the game
After falling two behind Fraserburgh boss Cowie shuffled his pack with Ryan Sargent and Paul Campbell coming off the bench to replace Willie West and Lewis Duncan.
And thee changes made a difference as the Broch pulled a goal back midway through the second half.
Ross Aitken’s cross was met by Paul Campbell at the near post, his header hit the crossbar and bounced down and Young rushed in to bundle the loose ball home.
Two minutes after scoring Fraserburgh went close again with Grant Campbell’s header from Barbour’s corner booted off the line.
However, after riding out the storm Bonnyrigg pounced to net a crucial third goal on 82 minutes.
Sub Sean Butcher fouled Dean Brett on the edge of the box and Currie curled a superb effort into the top left corner.
In the closing stages Ryan Cowie fired a free-kick over as Fraserburgh searched for a second goal.
With the last act Young made a crucial intervention to keep the score at 3-1 when he headed Young’s header from a Currie corner off the line.
