Picking a Breedon Highland League team of the season isn’t a straightforward task.
With so many quality players plying their trade in the division there were umpteen different combinations I could have chosen.
However, after much deliberation this is my selection. I’m sure plenty will disagree with it, but that’s all part of the fun.
Goalkeeper
Perhaps the toughest selection to make given the quality of custodians operating in the Highland League.
Buckie Thistle’s Kevin Main, Brora Rangers’ Joe Malin and Paul Leask of Fraserburgh have all had fine seasons, while youngsters Martin MacKinnon of Clachnacuddin and Lossiemouth’s Logan Ross also impressed.
But Rothes stopper Sean McCarthy gets the nod after a hugely consistent campaign between the posts for the Speysiders.
Defence
At centre-back Fraserburgh’s Bryan Hay and Buckie’s Jack Murray are my picks.
The experienced Hay seldom put a foot wrong this term as he helped the Broch win the title.
Meanwhile, Murray has been a pillar of strength for the Jags, who conceded only 21 goals in the league.
Brora’s Colin Williamson and Michael Finnis of Rothes were among the other names under consideration.
At right-back Brechin City’s Jamie Bain has been a model of consistency: reliable defensively and always willing to get forward to support attacks.
Fraserburgh’s Lewis Davidson and Shaun Wood of Buckie were also in contention for this slot.
On the other flank Fraserburgh’s Ryan Cowie is in for his work-rate, athleticism and delivery from both open play and dead-ball situations.
Ally MacDonald of Brora continues to be one of division’s leading left-backs, while Logan Johnstone enjoyed a good season at Huntly.
Midfield
Trying to find the correct balance of goals, guile and grit was the challenge with the midfield selection.
Buckie duo Andrew MacAskill and Sam Urquhart – who netted 23 and 29 goals respectively – are both chosen.
MacAskill is one of the most technically gifted players in the division who can ghost past defenders, while Urquhart is a constant threat from a wide area with his pace, trickery and finishing ability.
Fraserburgh’s Paul Young and Dale Gillespie of Brora also earned their places.
Young covers every blade of grass, never shirks a challenge, and is a master at repelling opposition attacks and getting his team going forward. He has also scored 15 goals this term.
Gillespie is the man who makes Brora tick. When he plays well the Cattachs play well and his range of passing can unlock any defence.
Buckie’s Kevin Fraser, Fraserburgh’s Grant Campbell, Brechin’s Marc Scott and Rothes’ Alan Pollock can consider themselves unlucky not to be chosen after excellent campaigns.
Attack
With such a plethora of goalscorers in the Highland League selecting two strikers was never going to be easy.
Sean Butcher of Fraserburgh and Formartine United duo Scott Lisle and Jonny Smith have been prolific, while youngsters James Anderson of Clachnacuddin and Kieran Shanks of Inverurie Locos have also made a major impression.
But it’s Fraserburgh’s Scott Barbour and Jordan MacRae of Brora who have been selected to lead the line.
Barbour netted 34 times in all competitions, but he offers a lot more than just goals with his work-rate, movement and strength causing constant problems for defenders.
MacRae scored 31 goals and his link-up play and aerial prowess make him a great foil for Barbour.
Manager
Mark Cowie will manage the team after guiding Fraserburgh to their first Highland League title since 2002.
Recognition must also go to Rothes gaffer Ross Jack and Brora boss Craig Campbell who both won silverware this season.
Meanwhile, under Graeme Stewart’s tutelage Buckie set a new league record for successive wins as they finished second.
Final selection
Team: Sean McCarthy (Rothes); Jamie Bain (Brechin City), Bryan Hay (Fraserburgh), Jack Murray (Buckie Thistle), Ryan Cowie (Fraserburgh); Andrew MacAskill (Buckie Thistle), Dale Gillespie (Brora Rangers), Paul Young (Fraserburgh), Sam Urquhart (Buckie Thistle); Jordan MacRae (Brora Rangers), Scott Barbour (Fraserburgh).
Substitutes: Kevin Main (Buckie Thistle), Lewis Davidson (Fraserburgh), Colin Williamson (Brora Rangers), Kevin Fraser (Buckie Thistle), Grant Campbell (Fraserburgh), James Anderson (Clachnacuddin), Kieran Shanks (Inverurie Locos).
Manager: Mark Cowie.
