Sutherland reach Highlands and Islands League Cup final after beating Inverness Caledonian Thistle Development
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HOLDERS Sutherland are through to the final of the Highlands and Islands League Cup after defeating league champions Inverness Caledonian Thistle Development 2–1 in Helmsdale.
They will face current league leaders Buckie in the final after they thrashed Clachnacuddin 5–2 at Contin.
The date and the venue of the final have still to be confirmed, but it is thought the final will take place next month.
Sutherland had to come from behind to secure victory, with Caley Thistle Development taking the lead after 22 minutes.
Captain Mel MacDonald hit a free kick from long distance which sailed past goalkeeper Jennifer Moodie.
But Sutherland came storming back to level the game 60 seconds later when from a corner kick, Megan Mackay connected with the ball to fire into the net.
Sutherland took the lead on the stroke of half time with a misclearance in the Inverness defence allowing Franci Hutchison to pounce and score the winning goal.
Buckie proved to be too good for Clachnacuddin as they took a 3–1 lead in the first half before going on to secure victory 5–2.
Catie Carter was the player of the match for Buckie scoring four goals with Lori Lappin also finding the net.
Betty Ross grabbed two consolation goals for Clachnacuddin as they suffered their first defeat of the season.
Sutherland return to league action on Sunday when they once again welcome Inverness Caledonian Thistle to Couper Park in Helmsdale.
Sutherland could move to at least second in the table with Clachnacuddin not in action this weekend.
Meanwhile Brora Rangers face a trip across the Pentland Firth to face Kirkwall City.
The Cattachs are bottom of the table having lost all six matches so far and have yet to score a goal while conceding 42.
League leaders Buckie take on Nairn St Ninian while the match between Caithness and Orkney is postponed.
