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Brora Rangers create one of the biggest Scottish Cup shocks by beating last season's finalists Heart of Midlothian 2-1 at Dudgeon Park.


By Craig Christie

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HIGHLAND League champions Brora Rangers produced a Scottish Cup fairytale by ousting Championship leaders Hearts in a thrilling second round clash.

Martin MacLean grabbed Brora's winner to put Hearts out of the Scottish Cup. Picture: Gary Anthony.
Martin MacLean grabbed Brora's winner to put Hearts out of the Scottish Cup. Picture: Gary Anthony.

In their first competitive outing since early January, Steven MacKay's side rocked Scottish football by sending the Jam Tarts spinning out of the competition.

Few gave the Cattachs much hope against the Championship leaders, who have been playing through the pandemic and were expected to win comfortably.

But when Jordan MacRae fired Brora into the lead on 12 minutes and the north side held their lead until half time, a huge shock was on the cards.

Former Scotland international Christophe Berra finally drew the Edinburgh men level with 20 minutes to go, and it seemed that Hearts would go on to claim victory.

But their Sutherland hosts had other ideas and Maclean found the net from a tight angle to restore Brora's advantage five minutes later.

The Highland League team held on for the biggest result in their history to leave Robbie Neilson's side embarrassed.

Buckie Thistle came close to knocking out another Championship side in Caley Thistle before bravely losing 3-2.

James Keatings and Sean Welsh twice put Inverness in front during the first half at Victoria Park, with Jack Murray scoring for Buckie in between.

It remained 2-1 until six minutes from time when Callum Murray pounced to equalise for the Highland League side and threaten to push the tie into extra time.

But within two minutes Daniel Mackay netted at the other end to save Caley's blushes and book a Highland derby against Ross County in the next round.

Formartine United will play Motherwell in the third round after goalkeeper Kevin Main became a birthday hero in their penalty shoot-out win over Annan Athletic.

The sides finished 1-1 after extra time but Main, on the day he turned 39, saved three Annan spot kicks as United went through 3-1.

Keith put up a brave fight but lost 2-0 at home to Clyde and Huntly went down 4-0 at Dumbarton.

Nairn County lost 7-1 at home to Montrose, who now visit Fraserburgh in round three.



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