Defeats to Highland League title contenders have shown Nairn County manager Steven Mackay what next steps must be at Station Road
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Steven Mackay admits matches against the leading Highland League sides are crystallising his thoughts of what is needed at Nairn County for next season.
The Station Park side followed up a valiant 2-1 defeat at Brora with a less inspiring 3-0 beating away to title favourites Brechin City on Wednesday evening.
Leaders Buckie Thistle away will complete the highly-demanding triumvirate tomorrow with top six aspirations now beyond the Wee County.
“As I said to the boys on Wednesday, these games are always good because you learn more about what we’ve got in our squad and where we need to strengthen,” Mackay said.
“The Buckie, Brora and Brechin games were always going to be really good tests for us.
“We know where we are and where we want to be, but we also have to acknowledge where the club was back in September and October.
“We know what we’ve got to do for next season. We’ll try to recruit accordingly, with a view to taking the next step in the journey.”
Mackay was disappointed Nairn failed to take momentum from a strong second half at Brora into the Glebe Park test.
Despite a solid start, Brechin relaxed with their first goal in what was a must-win game for them, punishing the visitors’ errors.
“I don’t want to be too critical, given what the boys have done and where they have taken us to so far, but I’d have liked to have gone to Brechin and made a bit more of a statement,” Mackay reflected.
Influential veteran Ross Tokely had served his three-game ban, but was unavailable having started a new job.
The big defender will be back for the trip to Buckie, though.
“Having Ross back will be good, because we have missed him, to be honest,” Mackay acknowledged.
“Buckie at Station Park was our toughest game this season. We did okay, to be fair, just ran out of steam a little bit in the 3-1 defeat.
“But the way they passed the ball, their movement, desire to get forward and be positive, I was really impressed with.
“Going to Victoria Park is never easy at the best of times, but with the way they are playing and what they have to play for, it will be a tough game.
“Rothes went there last week and managed to get a point, so it is not insurmountable.”
