Mark Cowie seeks to secure his first trophy as Fraserburgh manager after a dramatic quarter-final victory.

In a gripping quarter-final match, Fraserburgh FC triumphed over Buckie Thistle with a score of 3-2, igniting hopes of capturing the R Davidson (Banchory) Highland League Cup. The match, held at Victoria Park, showcased the resilience and determination of the Fraserburgh squad, particularly in the second half, where they demonstrated a remarkable turnaround.

Turning the tide in the second half

After a challenging first half, where Fraserburgh struggled to find their rhythm, manager Mark Cowie expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance post-interval. “We didn’t get to grips with certain aspects of the game in the first half, but a few words at half-time seemed to reinvigorate us,” Cowie remarked.

His words proved prophetic as the team emerged with renewed energy and belief, ultimately leading to their victory.

The match began with Fraserburgh taking an early lead, only to see Buckie equalize almost immediately. However, a penalty awarded to Fraserburgh allowed Jack MacIver to score, putting them ahead once more. The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess.

Key moments and player performances

Fraserburgh’s Scott Barbour was instrumental in the match, scoring a crucial goal that leveled the game at 2-2. His performance, along with that of Logan Watt, who netted the winning goal in stoppage time, highlighted the depth of talent within the Fraserburgh squad. Cowie’s side capitalized on Buckie’s defensive lapses, particularly after the dismissal of captain Sam Pugh, which left Buckie with ten men.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Buckie Thistle fought valiantly, with manager Lewis MacKinnon praising his team’s effort. “What a shift the boys put in, especially when we were down to 10 men,” he stated. However, the late goal from Fraserburgh proved to be a devastating blow, ending Buckie’s hopes for silverware this season.

Looking ahead to the semi-finals

With this victory, Fraserburgh now sets their sights on the semi-finals against Banks o’ Dee, scheduled for March 1. The club has previously won the Highland League Cup twice, and Cowie is eager to add this trophy to his managerial accolades. “We want to win this cup; I’ve been trying for a while, and the club’s been trying for a while,” he emphasized. The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter as Fraserburgh aims to continue their journey toward cup glory.