Brora Rangers 2-1 Hearts: Stornoway's Martin Maclean stuns Jambos with winner

Stornoway’s Martin Maclean this week helped pull off one of the biggest shocks in the near-150-year history of the Scottish Cup by scoring the goal that knocked Championship table-toppers Heart of Midlothian out of the contest.
Stornoway's Martin Maclean, right, was one of Brora Rangers' two goal-scorers against Hearts on Tuesday nightStornoway's Martin Maclean, right, was one of Brora Rangers' two goal-scorers against Hearts on Tuesday night
Stornoway's Martin Maclean, right, was one of Brora Rangers' two goal-scorers against Hearts on Tuesday night

The 29-year-old, formerly with Back on Lewis, hit home a 75th-minute corner to give Sutherland’s Brora Rangers a 2-1 lead and they kept their Edinburgh visitors at bay for the remaining quarter of an hour or so to book their place in the cup’s third round.

That victory was all the more impressive as Rangers had been out of action for over two months and had they not won, it might well have been their last game of the season as it is still uncertain when, or even if, the Highland League will resume following the suspension of all Scottish football initially below Championship level since January 11 but latterly below League Two.

Midfielder Maclean told BBC Scotland afterwards: “What an amazing feeling.

“It hasn't sunk and I don't think it will for a few days.

“I'll probably be sitting thinking about it all day at work tomorrow to be honest."

Next up for Brora after that second-round cup upset is a visit to Dudgeon Park from League Two’s Stranraer on Saturday, April 3, to via for a place in the competition’s fourth round.

The Highlanders' other scorer was Jordan Macrae and Christophe Berra got one back for Hearts, beaten finalists in the cup last year and the year before.

Rangers boss Steven Mackay said afterwards: “It’s difficult to put it into words.

“I’m just incredibly proud of every single player and everyone that’s connected with the club. It’s just a monumental night for everyone involved with Brora Rangers.

“I spoke about it before the game, and you just never know in football. If you go in with the right attitude and belief, sometimes results can go your way. That’s what has happened tonight.

“It’s just an unbelievable achievement for the whole team and the whole club.

Brora had only trained five times and played one friendly before facing Hearts after the cup was given the green light to resume earlier this month.

Maclean is one of Brora’s longest-serving players, having signed up in 2012 from amateur side Back, and he is no stranger to success there, having been in their Highland League title-winning sides of 2014 and 2015.