'The hard work starts now' - MacCormack's Jags aim for higher finish next term
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The curtain came down on Strathspey Thistle's Highland League campaign on Saturday, with a second half collapse resulting in a 3–1 defeat away to Fraserburgh.
With just ten points on the board this season and a bottom place finish to show for it, the Seafield Park club can almost certainly breathe a sigh of relief as they cast their eyes across the tiers below them in the north pyramid.
Only fifth placed Midlands League side Lochee United remain arithmetically in reach of, and eligible for, a Highland League play-off spot.
But despite the remote possibility of a play-off still looming, Jags boss Robert MacCormack already has his sights set on next season in the Highland League.
He said: "It has been a very disappointing season, overall. But the hard work starts now to make sure we give a much better account of ourselves next season. Which I’m confident we will.
"The boys have shown in the games I’ve been here what we can do. With a few boys in to help the group, I’m confident we can go on and finish higher than what we did this season.
"We have shown we can compete no matter who we play."
Reflecting on Saturday's game, he added: "I felt we competed really well throughout against Fraserburgh. But we tired and they are a top team. Michael scored a brilliant goal, after great set up play by mikey. I am really delighted with how they have both settled into the squad."
The Grantown side took a surprise lead at Bellslea Park after 35 minutes. Recent signings Michael Grimes and Michael Mckenzie combined as the latter added to his impressive Spring tally with a well struck shot from the edge of the box, finding the top corner with a shot that Sam Inglis could do nothing to prevent.
The Jags held their lead going into the interval, but Fraserburgh pulled a goal back four minutes after the restart through Sean Butcher.
Broch completed the turnaround on 67 minutes when Josh Bolton forced home a Bryan Hay knock on from five yards out.
Any chances of a Thistle comeback were ended with three minutes to go when Hay turned scorer with a headed goal to make it 3–1.
