Brora Rangers teenager hits six on debut at Fort William
HIGHLAND League champions Brora Rangers shook up their team – and Fort William – with a 6-2 weekend rout at Claggan Park on Saturday.
The star of the show for the much changed visitors was 18-year-old Colin MacLean who hit all six goals for the visitors as they returned to the top of the table in the sole fixture in the division.
Yet, the ever-improving West Highlanders drew first blood when Nick Stein shot them in front after just nine minutes with a wonderful 30-yard strike.
That goal just stung Brora into action and MacLean levelled just two minutes later when put through by Dale Gillespie.
Fort keeper saved an effort from Steven Mackay, but MacLean was on hand to put Brora in front before completing a sparkling hat-trick when set up by Andrew Greig.
Not even half an hour had been played when MacLean added his fourth with an 18-yard drive and he hit woodwork moments later as Fort had no answer.
It was 5-1 after 63 minutes when MacLean knocked the ball home from close range when he met a corner from Greig.
Brora were reduced to 10 men when Danny Mackay was sent off for a last-man challenge on 72 minutes which led to Sean Grant knocking home a penalty.
However, a spectacular lob over Munro from 20 yards rounded off a sensational double hat-trick for Brora's remarkable young run as he made it 6-2.
He was soon replaced by Colin Williamson, but his instant impact will live long in the memory.
In the William Hill Scottish Cup first round, Nairn County defeated Highland League hosts Deveronvale 1-0, Clach were crushed 7-1 at home to Ayrshire side, and Junior Scottish Cup holders, Hurlford United and Cove Rangers hit nine without reply against Hawick Royal Albert.
Buckie Thistle suffered a 5-0 defeat at Auchinleck Talbot, Rothes lost 4-0 at home to Banks o'Dee, Forres Mechanics cruised to a 4-1 win against visitors Civil Service Strollers, Huntly saw off Wick Academy 2-0, Turriff United were 4-0 victors at Lossiemouth and Wick Academy lost 2-0 at Huntly.