CHARLIE CHRISTIE: Highland League clubs' failures in Scottish Cup show increasing strength of Lowland League and West of Scotland sides; Cammy Harper shift into midfield paid off for Caley Thistle at Dundee
Last weekend’s Scottish Cup first round proved disappointing for our Highland League clubs, with only six making it into Sunday’s second round draw.
It also highlighted the step forward in abilities and infrastructure of many of the West and South of Scotland clubs as they look to replicate the league pyramid successes of Kelty Hearts and Bonnyrigg Rose in recent times.
Things started badly for our north clubs on Friday evening at Broadwood Stadium when Brora Rangers succumbed to Open Goal Broomhill from the Scottish Lowland League.
Former ICT and Scottish international defender Kirk Broadfoot is one of several recognisable names now plying their trade with Broomhill, and is perhaps another indication of the resources available to many of these clubs.
That same evening Huntly were thumped 6–0 by Pollock from the West of Scotland League; a far cry from their glory days when Steve Paterson had them going toe-to-toe with Dundee United at a sold-out Christie Park in the Scottish Cup Fourth Round in the mid-90s.
On to Saturday and things only got slightly better. Fraserburgh arguably achieved the most commendable result as they travelled to Edinburgh to defeat Civil Service Strollers in a tightly fought contest and they were rewarded with a home second round tie against Stranraer, who can now look forward to an almost 600-mile round trip for the game at the end of October.
Buckie will host Brora’s conquerors Broomhill in what should be an open and entertaining game, and our furthest north club Wick have been given a winnable home tie against West of Scotland First Division side Benburb.
Table toppers Brechin City will complete the home fixtures for the Highland League clubs when they host Stirling Albion.
That leaves Formartine and Banks O'Dee travelling to Carnoustie and Dunipace respectively and I sincerely hope that most, if not all, of the six teams can progress.
It would be fantastic to see as many north representatives as possible in the third round draw; the stage at which 20 new entrants from the Scottish League One and the Scottish Championship enter the competition.
Elsewhere ICT recorded their best win so far this season with a terrific victory at Dundee.
It was really pleasing to watch the highlights of the match on Sunday and see academy graduate Cammy Harper score two terrific goals from distance in a win that keeps us in touch with the teams at the top.
Cammy was one of our very talented 2001 group who excelled throughout his time in the youth academy and he played almost all his developmental years at left back, but it was interesting to see Billy Dodds play him in a more advanced midfield role on Saturday It certainly paid dividends.
With Ayr United losing at Raith Rovers and Partick Thistle letting a two-goal lead slip at home to Cove Rangers it proved a very good weekend for us, and it is always a positive to go into an international break with a win.
It sets us up nicely for our next two league challenges as we travel to Ayr on October 1 and then welcome Partick Thistle to Caledonian Stadium for a televised encounter on Friday 7.