There was little to choose between the sides last season, with both winning against each other at home. Rumours of personnel problems for both sides meant this game was always going to be an interesting affair; Lossie started with Tim Brewin deputising in goals for Darren McConnachie, while former Coaster Jamie 'Novo' McKay featured for Brora.

Brora had the better of the opening stages, with McKay causing problems. 'Novo' and Liam Rostock combined to put the ball in the net, only for the goal to be disallowed bue to the latter being in an offside position.

The visitors took the lead during a frantic period of play in the middle of the half. A sweeping passing move from Lossie saw Wilson, Matheson and Bagley all involved as the home side steamed down the pitch, a move culminating in Wilson made it to the byeline before squaring to Blackhall. With the keeper beaten 'Coco' was foiled on the line by Willie Ford, and Brora cleared.

From the clearance, and with Lossie stranded too far forward, Jamie McKay sprinted towards goal, and squared to Sam MACKAY for an easy sidefoot finish past Brewin.

The home side were creating their own chances. Kyle Stewart had the best of the bunch when youngster Jamie Bagley squared to him, but Stewarts low shot was well saved by Taylor in goals.

Lossie levelled before half time with a clever set piece. Scott Matheson played a short corner to George Russell, who hit a peach of a ball towards Craig DONALDSON, who headed home.

Half time – Lossiemouth 1 Brora Rangers 1

Lossie were creating chances through Jamie Bagley but the youngster was having no luck against Robbie Taylor in goals. The former Forres keeper foiled Bagley on three consecutive attempts on goal. From the third a corner, which Scott Matheson fired into the box towards David Blackhall, but the glancing header flew wide of the post.

Lossie were playing well, and Sean McIntosh and Graeme Wilson combined to offer the latter a shooting opportunity, which was blocked. Despite playing three games in the previous week, one in the dry heat of Nairn at the weekend, Lossie continued to press and showed an improved level of fitness from last season.

Sam Mackay was the man most likely to win the game for Brora, flying past men and getting into goalscoring positions. Lossie had Brewin to thank for keeping them in the game when Mackay rifled a shot against the keeper, and Mackay went close again soon after but screwed his shot wide.

The last chance of the game fell to Scott Matheson in the shape of a long range free kick, but Taylor was down quickly to push the ball wide and force extra time.

Full time – Lossiemouth 1 Brora Rangers 1

The first period of extra time was a cautious affair, with neither side willing to press forward for fear of losing a goal on the counter.

Both sides decided to make a better shift of things in the second period. Lossie were gifted an opportunity to take the lead for the first time in the game when Mark Kennedy hauled down Sean McIntosh inside the box to concede a penalty. Scott MATHESON fired home to give Lossie the lead.

The Coasters seemingly had the game in the bag minutes later as Sean McIntosh managed to make it down the wing without being fouled before crossing low to Scott MATHESON who tapped in at the back post.

Brora were not for giving up, however. Jamie MCKAY latched onto a desperate long ball, raced through on Brewin and lifted the ball over the keeper to keep things interesting.

With the game sliding into injury time, Brora threw everyone forward at a corner including goalkeeper Robbie Taylor, who claims to have scored against Lossie while playing for Forres. The ball bounced in the box once before Kevin MCKIE fired home to equalise at the absolute death, and send the game to a shoot-out.

Extra time full time - Lossiemouth 3 Brora Rangers 3

Lossie looked the more confident side, with captain Steve Dixon stepping up first to score. Graeme Wilson scored after a retake, and Scott Matheson converted his second spot-kick of the night. Sean McIntosh missed, but, with Brora having missed two already, George Russell stepped up to take the decisive kick and made no mistake, handing Lossie victory.

Lossie will now face Keith in the first round of the Challenge Cup, to be played at Grant Park on August 9th.

Penalties - Lossiemouth win 4-2 on penalties

Team