Mackay delighted as Brora get play-off final bye

Source: pressandjournal.co.uk

TL;DR

The story at a glance

Brora Rangers manager Steven Mackay expresses delight at advancing to the SPFL pyramid play-off final without playing semi-final against Lowland League champions Linlithgow Rose, who were ruled ineligible by the SFA over licensing issues. Brora, Breedon Highland League winners, now face bottom-of-League Two Edinburgh City in the two-legged final on May 9 at Dudgeon Park and May 16 at Meadowbank. This follows Linlithgow's failed bid for a grace period on their SFA bronze club licence criteria.[[1]](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/highland-league/7000486/steven-mackays-delight-as-brora-rangers-progress-to-play-off-final/)[[2]](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/highland-league/7000151/brora-rangers-through-to-pyramid-play-off-final)

Key points

Details and context

Brora Rangers won the Breedon Highland League title recently, edging Brechin City by one point with a 1-1 draw at Huntly while Brechin lost 4-1 at Turriff United; their last competitive game was April 11 versus Huntly.[[1]](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/highland-league/7000486/steven-mackays-delight-as-brora-rangers-progress-to-play-off-final/)

The pyramid play-offs pit Highland and Lowland League champions in a semi-final, winner facing League Two's bottom side for a SPFL spot. Linlithgow's exit gives Brora rest time for injured players but risks rustiness without a game for a month unless friendly arranged.[[1]](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/highland-league/7000486/steven-mackays-delight-as-brora-rangers-progress-to-play-off-final/)

Mackay stresses club's ambition and readiness: "We’ve done our business on and off the park... The club is ready off the park."[[1]](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/highland-league/7000486/steven-mackays-delight-as-brora-rangers-progress-to-play-off-final/)

Key quotes

“We’re delighted to get through, even if it is by default, and now we focus on Edinburgh City, which is a huge tie for the club.” – Steven Mackay[[1]](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/highland-league/7000486/steven-mackays-delight-as-brora-rangers-progress-to-play-off-final/)

“I’m still haunted by the Montrose game – every time we’ve been in the play-offs since I’ve felt it’s an opportunity to make amends... we’ve got a great opportunity. But the games against Edinburgh City will be very difficult.” – Steven Mackay[[1]](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/highland-league/7000486/steven-mackays-delight-as-brora-rangers-progress-to-play-off-final/)

Why it matters

Brora Rangers' automatic progression keeps their promotion dream alive without risking a tough semi-final, highlighting strict SFA/SPFL licensing to ensure compliant clubs reach the SPFL. For Brora fans and Highland League, it offers a clearer shot at historic entry to League Two, though Mackay warns it's no gimme against professional Edinburgh City. Watch the two legs on May 9 and 16, plus any pre-final friendly, as past near-misses make success uncertain.