Nairn County dig deep to impress boss
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NAIRN County boss Ronnie Sharp had positives to glean from his young side’s 4-0 Highland League opening defeat against Brora Rangers.
Grant Munro’s team from the north coasted to victory on Saturday, but after close to an entire squad leaving Station Park over a summer of upheaval, their new manager was proud of their efforts.
Sharp named trialist Jamie Mackay and four under-20s squad members on his bench as his already-lean squad was depleted further by the absences of Mackintosh and injured duo Gregg Main and Kenny McKenzie.
These two teams contested the Highland League Cup final just a few months ago, but after the main sponsors pulled the plug, just two Nairn from the showpiece – Glenn Main and Callum MacLean – started this one.
Steven Mackay gave Brora their ideal, and Nairn’s nightmare, start with a headed goal after just two minutes.
Nairn didn’t fold, however, and it took until the hour mark for one of the title favourites to make it two when Zander Sutherland clipped the ball over keeper Dylan Maclean.
And, 12 minutes from time, James Ross netted Brora’s third goal of the day and substitute Paul Brindle added gloss to the scoreline late on.
Looking back at his troops’ first competitive contest, Sharp said: "I was delighted with the effort we put in and the organisation as well because that is something we have been working on ahead of this game.
"We went a goal down in the first couple of minutes but we kept working away up to half time and I thought we came more and more into the game as the first half wore on.
"Some boys were nervous, especially the young boys, who were very nervous. It is a big challenge for them to come in and play against Brora with just two-and-a-half weeks of training under our belts. We can only get stronger. Wayne Mackintosh will be back for next week and hopefully we can get a few more bodies in and we will just move on from there."
Midfielder Willie Barron, now 35, made his appearance back in Nairn colours too, which impressed Sharp.
This Saturday, Nairn are at home to Deveronvale, who came from behind to defeat Fort William 4-2 at the weekend.
