Golspie Sutherland aim to cause shock against Highland League club in Scottish Cup
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GOLSPIE Sutherland will look to cause an upset in the Scottish Cup first round when they take on Highland League outfit Forres Mechanics at King George V Park on Saturday.
The North Caledonian League outfit will look to progress to the second round of the Scottish Cup after defeating Hawick Royal Albert 2-1 in the Second Preliminary Round.
Despite a good start to the season, Forres Mechanics haven’t won their last four matches in all competitions.
Golspie manager Mark McKernie says he knows his team are in for a tough test to progress to the second round.
But he believes his team have the confidence and quality to cause an upset.
“It will be a tough ask taking on a Highland League club, but it is definitely doable if we go into the game with the right mindset,” said McKernie.
“I did watch them play against Brora Rangers in the Highland League Cup.
“Everyone is saying that they have suffered a dip in form, but it should be remembered they went to Banks O’Dee and beat them 4-2 earlier this season.
“They are definitely capable of doing that to good teams.
“They have hit a bit of tough form, but I think that we could prove to be a handful for them.
“However, if we don’t turn up, they could easily turn us over.”
McKernie says the squad are still flying high from their famous 2-1 win over East of Scotland outfit Hawick Royal Albert in the second preliminary round.
They are also through to the semi final of the Football Times Cup after beating Alness United 3-1 after extra time.
McKernie says he has been encouraged by the good start they have made to the season.
“It has been a busy schedule for us as we also played in North of Scotland Cup quarter final against Ross County last week.
“It took a lot out of us for the game last Saturday but we got there in the end.
“We also had a massive journey to Hawick, so credit to the boys for doing so well at that game.”
McKernie also respects other people seeing the game as Golspie representing the North Caledonian League taking on a Highland League team.
But he is only concerned about Golspie Sutherland and continuing their progress in the Scottish Cup.
“I have had messages from managers from other North Caledonian League clubs who are wishing us all the best,” said McKernie.
“I know people see it as the North Caledonian League taking on the Highland League, but that is not how I see it.
“For us, it is our team of 16 against their team of 16, if we are organised and manage to keep the ball, I think that we are capable of turning them over.
“But if we don’t turn up, then I reckon they could pick us off easily.
“We have one or two injury concerns, but we have a good strong team available for Saturday.”
