Nort West Sutherland League One champions aim to make semi finals of Highland Amateur Cup as they face Clachnacuddin Reserves in Inverness
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GOLSPIE Stafford aim to reach the semi finals of the Highland Amateur Cup when they face Clachnacuddin Reserves in Inverness on Saturday.
The North West Sutherland League One champions are the only team from the county left in the competition.
No team from Sutherland has ever won the Highland Amateur Cup, with Golspie Stafford being the only team from the county to reach the final.
They got to the final back in 2010 when they lost 2-1 to Dunnet outfit Pentland United at Dudgeon Park in Brora.
The game is being played at Grant Street Park, the home of Highland League club Clachnacuddin at 3pm, with a decent support expected to travel down to Inverness.
Manager Ewen Campbell says Clachnacuddin have a talented youth set-up, but is confident the experience of his players will be enough to reach the semi final.
“We head into the quarter final after winning the North West Sutherland League One title and winning every league game so far,” said Campbell.
He added: “I am absolutely delighted for the lads who have been outstanding this season.
“But we will have to be at our best to overcome a decent young Clach side in Inverness at Grant Street Park which will be in great condition for the match.”
Golspie Stafford will be without some key players for the clash at Grant Street Park.
Aaron Smith is ruled out after he ruptured his Achilles.
Striker Alexander Mackay is on holiday and James Macrae is also out due to being on a stag do.
However, Luke Macbeath returns to the squad from suspension.
Golspie Stafford defeated Carloway 4-2 in the previous round in Ullapool to reach the quarter finals.
Clachnacuddin Reserves manager Paul Maclennan says the club are proud that their colts team have managed to reach this stage of the competition.
He says all the pressure is off his team and that they are going into the clash with nothing to lose.
“As a development team, we don’t put expectations on the boys,” said Maclennan.
“We feel by doing that it brings the players up to play without fear.
“Nobody expected a colts team to get to the quarter finals of the Highland Amateur Cup, but we have done it.
“Our main thing for the team is progress and development, but it is good to be flying the flag for Inverness amateur football.”
In the other quarter finals, six-time winners Avoch are set to take on Loch Ness at Coronation Park.
Next Saturday, Stromness Athletic are set to take on Lerwick Spurs.
However, Wick Groats have automatically progressed to the semi finals of the tournament after Lerwick Celtic withdrew from the competition, due to Island Games commitments and the Inter County game with Orkney on July 29.
