CARROL PRIDE BUT NO CUP GLORY AS BUCKIE BOW OUT

HIGHLAND LEAGUE CHAMPIONS COUNT COST OF TWO MISTAKES

Brechin City advance into the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup for the first time in their history thanks to two stunning goals in the space of 11 first-half minutes at Victoria Park on Saturday.

David McKenna's opener came as a result of a Davie MacRae mistake and Rory McAllister's curler came from a throw-in needlessly conceded by Jags goalkeeper Kevin Main.

Buckie manager Gregg Carrol said: "You just can't make mistakes against teams like Brechin but I'm proud of how my players performed in the second half when we tried to get the ball down and play.

"It took a great save by Brechin goalkeeper Craig Nelson to deny Mike Morrison 10 minutes after half-time.  If it had gone in it would have made for an interesting last half hour."

Carrol added: "We went about our business with a bit of swagger in the second half, although the two goals we lost in the first 45 minutes definately deflated us.

"The goals could have easily destroyed us but didn't and we played some good stuff after the break."

Brechin manager Jim Weir said: "I am thrilled for the club and players.

"All credit to Buckie for selling out today.  It was absolutely fantastic but my players got the job done, we're delighted.

"We coped with anything that was thrown at us.

"Until we scored I didn't there was much between the teams.  We needed something to quieten the home support and that excellent finish from McKenna certainly did.

"Rory McAllister, who is a special player, came up with a special finish, after that it was a case of keeping it tight until the break but Buckie did make it difficult for us."

The visitors stunned the home supporters in the 19th minute when Buckie midfielder MacRae passed the ball to Brechin City's McKenna and from 25 yards he hammered the ball high past Main who was rooted to the spot.

Eleven mintes later City's quarter-final place was secured when Buckie goalkeeper Main's throw out only found touch and from the resultant throw-in McAllister again left the Jags number one helpless as the ball curled high into the top corner from the edge of the box.

It took a brialliant diving save by Nelson in the 55th minute to deny Morrison but, that chance apart, the visitors' defence was seldom troubled.

Dangerman McAllister almost added another but his ferocious 15 yard drive came back of the junction of the post and bar in the 63rd minute.

Story by Dave Edwards, Press & Journal

DUNCAN DELIGHTED BY VICTORIA PARK TURNOUT

Buckie Thistle president Mark Duncan paid tribute to both sets of supporters at Victoria Park on Saturday.

Duncan: said "Although we didn't win the game the crowd of around 2.300 was magnificent.  It was a fantastic occasion, the supporters thoroughly enjoyed themselves and it made for a party atmosphere.

"Buckie didn't play as well as we know they can but the supporters got behind the players as they have done all season.

"Now our Scottish Cup adventure is over we can get back to concentrating on trying to retain our Highland League title.  We have been fortunate to get through to the fifth round after the SFA ruling and because of that we have managed to make a bit more money.  It was a great crowd, so Brechin will go away with a healthy pay cheque.  They also took more than 300 supporters to Buckie today."

Duncan added: "When five-year-old Daniel Strong led the players out I don't think there was a dry eye in the ground.  It was one of the most emotional moments I have seen at a football match.  The wee lad was really brave and received a great reception from the supporters."

Daniel is the son of Buckie goalkeeper Darren.  Daniel has had five operations since October to remove a brain tumour.