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Press and Journal
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Highland League award winners revealed as Angus Grant is named player of the year
Huntly's Angus Grant was crowned player of the year at the Breedon Highland League awards dinner in Inverness. The striker's 23 league goals also earned him the top scorer trophy, while in all competitions he netted 31 times for the Black and Golds. Grant is the first Huntly player to scoop the Highland League's player of the year award since it was introduced for season 1988-89. The 26-year-old said: 'It's a complete surprise, with the amount of talent in the league I didn't expect to win it. 'It's a great honour and I can only thank my team-mates who have put me in the position to win an individual award like this. 'You look at the list of players that have won this award and it's a list of legendary players. 'It's a hugely prestigious award and I'm chuffed to bits to win it. 'I didn't know I was the first Huntly player to win it so that's a big thing for the club and also me personally.' Brora Rangers boss Steven Mackay was named manager of the year after guiding the Cattachs to the first treble in their history as they claimed the Highland League, R Davidson (Banchory) Highland League Cup and North of Scotland Cup. It was also the first time since 1954 that a club had won every tournament they compete in at Highland League level in the same season. Mackay said: 'It's a nice way to end the season winning this award, but I have to mention the guys that back me up David Hind (assistant manager), Jordan MacDonald (first-team coach) and Michael MacKenzie (first-team coach). 'Without them I can't do my job, it's not about the individual, it's about the collective. 'They deserve this recognition as much as me, my day job is very demanding and my time is at a premium and they give me a huge amount of support. 'I'm delighted to accept the award, but it's a collective effort from the management team, to the players, to the board.' Jack Mitchell was named young player of the year after a stellar season with Deveronvale which saw him contribute 13 goals and 14 assists. The 18-year-old winger said: 'I'm stunned to win this award. It means a lot because it's the players that vote for it and there are so many good young players in the league so I didn't expect to win it.' Meanwhile, Fraserburgh collected the fair play award and three club stalwarts were recognised with unsung hero awards. Inverurie Locos' historian David Fasken, Brechin City kitman Alan Grieve and Huntly's Jim McGregor, who has served as player, manager, committee member and ambassador, were all honoured for their dedication to their respective clubs. There was also a celebration of Graham Wilson's service to the Highland League as he steps down following 25 years as assistant secretary and youth secretary.
Press and Journal
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Revealed: The Press and Journal's Breedon Highland League team of the season
Now another memorable Breedon Highland League campaign is over, it is time to pick a team of the season. Given the quality right across the division, it feels like an impossible undertaking, with a multitude of players being considered for each position. In my role with the Press and Journal, I've covered 66 games involving Highland League clubs during the 2024-25 season. After many hours agonising over selecting a squad, I've whittled it down to 18 – with a starting XI set-up in a 4-4-2 formation and seven substitutes on the bench. Selecting just one goalkeeper is never easy given the quality of custodians in north football, but the-now retired Joe Malin gets the nod. Malin has shown himself to be an outstanding goalkeeper at this level for more than a decade and that was again the case in his final season in the Highland League. Having joined Clachnacuddin last summer, Malin's impact when he played was clear to see as the Lilywhites recorded their best goals against figure in the league since season 2004-05. On some occasions – such as the North of Scotland Cup final – Malin even produced virtuoso displays when on the losing side, which further underlined his quality. Brora Rangers' treble-winner Cammy Mackay is named on the bench after enjoying a dream season with the Cattachs. Brechin's Lenny Wilson, Daniel Hoban at Banks o' Dee and Inverurie Locos' Zack Ellis also enjoyed good campaigns. Unsurprisingly after such a tremendous season, Brora players feature heavily in this side, and they occupy both full-back positions. On the right, Tom Kelly had a terrific season with his rampaging runs forward a key attacking outlet for the Cattachs, and beyond that Kelly showed on numerous occasions he's a diligent defender when up against good wingers. Colin Williamson is chosen on the other flank, and although he was deployed at centre-back in the closing weeks of the campaign, for most of the season the Brora stalwart did an excellent job at left-back with his consistently solid and reliable displays securing his spot. Paul Coutts of Inverurie Locos and Brechin City's Brad McKay line up at centre-back. The former's reading of the game and confidence in possession proved to be extremely valuable for the Railwaymen as they finished fourth, while McKay was a rock at the heart of the Hedgemen's miserly defence – and also popped up with nine goals. Banks o' Dee's Mark Reynolds and Fraserburgh's dependable duo Bryan Hay and Kieran Simpson were also considered – and Hay is named on the bench, while Wallace Duffy excelled after arriving at Brora at Christmas. The other defender on the bench is Formartine United full-back Stuart Smith. He's been a model of consistency over many years and his swansong season was no different. Beyond that, Deveronvale's Jayden Goldie, Mark McLauchan of Forres Mechanics and Turriff United's Kieran Yeats also impressed in the full-back positions. In central midfield, I've opted for a blend of grit and guile. Craig MacKenzie has been instrumental to everything good about Brora this season, bagging 11 goals and providing countless assists. Partnering him is Jamie Beagrie. A master at breaking up play and getting his team on the front foot, there's always an added steel to Fraserburgh when he's in their team. Two of the best technical players in the Highland League are chosen on the flanks in Dee's Michael Philipson and Tony Dingwall of Brora. Both players have been talismen for their respective clubs and possess the ability to unlock a defence with a mazy dribble or pinpoint pass. Philipson contributed 18 goals this season, while Dingwall weighed in with 12 and both always seem to deliver in big games. There are a plethora of excellent midfielders in the Highland League and Forres' Jordan Alonge can consider himself unlucky not to make the XI, but is named on the bench after a brilliant first season in the division. Meanwhile, after almost two years out injured, Buckie's Kevin Fraser showed he's back to his best, Brechin's Fraser MacLeod, Clach's Jack MacKay, Marc Lawrence of Formartine and Fraserburgh's Greg Buchan also performed with credit. In the wide areas, Brora duo Max Ewan and Connor Bunce, Clach's Troy Cooper, exciting youngsters Jack Mitchell (Deveronvale) and Calum Frame (Forres), and Buckie's Lyall Keir were all considered following stellar seasons. But it's Brechin's Ewan Loudon who gets a spot on the bench. He was a constant threat from a wide area and netted 18 goals. Selected up front are north football's top scorer, Angus Grant, and Shane Sutherland. Grant was deadly in front of goal for Huntly, scoring 31 times in all competitions – and he went through spells where it seemed like every chance he got ended up in the net. Returning to action after more than two years out injured, Sutherland contributed 24 goals, but apart from finding the net, his hold-up and link-up play was also a key part of Brora's success this season. There were plenty of other good options to choose from. James Anderson demonstrated his quality with 23 goals for Clach and is on the bench alongside Fraserburgh's Scott Barbour, who netted 24 times and again proved to be a nuisance for defences across the north. Elsewhere, Nairn County's Ben Barron, Kyle Henderson of Wick Academy, Brechin's Dayle Robertson and Liam Duell of Banks o' Dee enjoyed good seasons. Steven Mackay is the selection as manager. He returned for a second stint in charge of Brora last summer and rebuilt their squad before masterminding the first Highland League clean sweep since 1954. Elsewhere, Banks o' Dee duo Josh Winton and Paul Lawson, and Fraserburgh's Mark Cowie, delivered silverware for their clubs again this term, while Dean Donaldson at Inverurie, Clach's Conor Gethins, Steven MacDonald of Forres and Deveronvale's Garry Wood all deserve credit for the progress their clubs made. Starting XI (4-4-2) – Joe Malin (Clachnacuddin); Tom Kelly (Brora Rangers), Paul Coutts (Inverurie Locos), Brad McKay (Brechin City), Colin Williamson (Brora Rangers); Michael Philipson (Banks o' Dee), Jamie Beagrie (Fraserburgh), Craig MacKenzie (Brora Rangers), Tony Dingwall (Brora Rangers); Angus Grant (Huntly), Shane Sutherland (Brora Rangers). Subs – Cammy Mackay (Brora Rangers), Bryan Hay (Fraserburgh), Stuart Smith (Formartine United), Jordan Alonge (Forres Mechanics), Ewan Loudon (Brechin City), James Anderson (Clachnacuddin), Scott Barbour (Fraserburgh). Manager – Steven Mackay (Brora Rangers).
Press and Journal
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Tony Dingwall reflects on Brora Rangers' 'brilliant' season after coming up short in pyramid play-offs
Tony Dingwall says defeat in the pyramid play-offs doesn't detract from Brora Rangers' stellar season. The Cattachs' hopes of promotion to the SPFL were extinguished on Saturday as they drew 3-3 with East Kilbride at Dudgeon Park, meaning the Lowland League champions progress 7-4 on aggregate to the play-off final against Bonnyrigg Rose. However, it's been an incredible season for Brora as they won a treble for first time in their history by lifting the Breedon Highland League, the R Davidson (Banchory) Highland League Cup and the North of Scotland Cup. It was also the first time since 1954 that a club has won every competition they play in at Highland League level in the same campaign. Midfielder Dingwall said: 'In pre-season and at the start of the season the management team rebuilt the squad and at the start of the season I don't think anyone fancied us to win the league. 'But here we are at the end of the season having won a treble. Looking back on it, it's been a brilliant season. 'We've fallen a wee bit short in the play-offs, but the experience of being involved in the play-offs will do us good going forward. 'When we come back next season we'll be ready to go again and hopefully we can get ourselves back in this position competing in the play-offs again.' At one stage on Saturday it looked like Brora could overturn their 4-1 first leg deficit as goals from Dingwall, Alex Cooper and Shane Sutherland had them 3-1 up. However, Joao Balde's strike and Scott Ferguson's penalty earned East Kilbride a draw. Dingwall added: 'We had nothing to lose so we went out to have a go and see what happened. 'For a while things looked quite promising. We had them rattled for a spell, but it didn't quite work out for us. 'We restored some pride and although it's a sore one to take just now it doesn't spoil a great season. 'We knew it was a mammoth task coming into the second leg, we let ourselves down last week. 'To a man we weren't good enough and we let ourselves down. 'We had a mountain to climb, but we gave it a good go and at 3-1 up you're not sure what might happen. 'Then we got hit with a sucker-punch with their second goal which kind of killed the tie. 'But credit to East Kilbride they're a good side and we've got nothing to be ashamed of.'
Press and Journal
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
James Wallace says Brora Rangers have belief for play-off second leg against East Kilbride
James Wallace insists Brora Rangers still believe they can reach the pyramid play-off final. The Breedon Highland League champions are trailing East Kilbride 4-1 in the play-off semi-final following last weekend's first leg at K Park. However, ahead of Saturday's return at Dudgeon Park, Wallace revealed the Cattachs still have confidence as they aim to mount a comeback. The 24-year-old felt Brora didn't hit their usual heights last weekend and knows if they are to have any chance of overturning their three-goal deficit a much-improved display is needed. Wallace said: 'We need to do the opposite to last weekend, we need to be aggressive and on the front foot from the start. 'We need to score at least three goals so the only way we can approach it is to go for it from the off. 'As a group we feel we're better than what we showed last Saturday and we believe we're capable of overturning the deficit. 'Probably 90% or 95% of people looking at the tie will think it's done. 'But we've got the belief in our changing room given the season we've had that we can turn things around. 'However, it's going to take a monumental effort, but if we're all at it on the day then we are capable. 'During this season we've had a few setbacks and we've always managed to respond well to them. 'So it's a case of doing that again, there's no pressure on us given the scoreline so we have to give it our best shot and you never know what can happen in football.' Firepower in attack generally hasn't been an issue for Brora this season. In 49 matches across all competitions this term the Sutherland club have scored 149 goals. As a minimum they need to score three times on Saturday and Wallace is hopeful they have the threats to do that. If Brora are unable to win the tie and progress to face Bonnyrigg Rose or Forfar Athletic, Wallace hopes they can at least end what has been a memorable campaign in positive fashion. The Cattachs won the treble of the Highland League, R Davidson (Banchory) Highland League Cup and North of Scotland Cup for the first time in their history this season. Wallace added: 'Over the course of the season we've scored a lot of goals and a lot of players have chipped in with goals. 'Whatever way they come, if we were to score a few goals on Saturday, we'd take them. 'We need to restore a bit of a pride, we've had such a good season. 'But if it was to fizzle out with a poor performance on Saturday that would put a dampener on the end of the season. 'If we don't end up winning the tie, we need to at least give a good account of ourselves and show we can compete with sides like East Kilbride.'
Press and Journal
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Wayne Mackintosh honoured to become Nairn County manager
New Nairn County manager Wayne Mackintosh admits he was surprised to be offered the job – but says it's an honour to take it on. The Wee County have named club legend Mackintosh as their new boss. The Station Park outfit have been looking for a permanent manager since Ross Tokely departed in January, with Brian Macleod holding the fort on an interim basis since then. Mackintosh retired from playing at the end of the season after 16 years and 411 appearances in Nairn's midfield across two spells. He played for County from 2004 to 2017 and helped them win the North of Scotland Cup twice and R Davidson (Banchory) Highland League Cup. Mackintosh then moved to Formartine United, who he helped to win the Highland League Cup, Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup and Morrison Motors (Turriff) Aberdeenshire Shield. He spent the 2021-22 season at Rothes and was part of their North of Scotland Cup winning squad, before returning to Nairn in September 2022 and helping them win the North Cup again in November 2023. Mackintosh didn't apply to become Nairn manager, but revealed his delight at being asked to take on the job. The 37-year-old said: 'It came as a bit of a surprise to me, I'd decided to retire from playing and I was actually looking forward to having a break. 'But then the club hadn't appointed as a manager and they approached me and had a conversation about the job. 'It was a surprise to me, but when I thought about it I decided it was a really good opportunity. 'I've always thought I would like to get into coaching, although I didn't anticipate it being as Nairn first-team manager. 'But it's an honour to be considered for the role. I've got a passion for the club, I wanted to retire as a player at Nairn and now becoming manager is something I'm delighted about. 'I want to see the club do well so for me coming into management it probably makes it easier to be doing it with Nairn. 'There's a really good squad here, it's a great bunch of boys so hopefully I can help them improve individually and collectively to make the club successful.' Nairn finished 13th in the Breedon Highland League this season and looking ahead to next term Mackintosh believes the squad at his disposal is capable of better. He would also like County to challenge in the cup competitions next season. Mackintosh, who has also had a spell in charge of Nairn's Under-18s side, added: 'I want to get the club up the table. For the quality we have at the club I think we underachieved this season. 'We want to move up the table and I also want us to be more competitive in the cups. 'We went out in the first round or second round of every cup this season. 'So being competitive in the cups and trying to bring some silverware back to Nairn is what I'd like to do. 'There's a good core of a squad at Nairn which is very competitive and if we can make a couple of additions that would only make us better. 'Playing alongside the boys I know there's real quality there and hopefully we can be more competitive next season.'
