Sutherland look for final flourish in bid to win League Cup against Clachnacuddin
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Sutherland Women will aim to mark their debut season by lifting the Highlands and Islands League Cup when they take on Clachnacuddin in the final.
The Helmsdale based club will look to win their first piece of silverware when they take to the field at Station Park, home of Nairn County on Sunday.
It has been a successful first year of action for Sutherland, who are currently second in the league.
Having defeated Buckie and Caithness to reach the final, manager John Smith says it has been a tremendous achievement from his team.
"When we first started out, our aim was to be as competitive as we could in the league and see how we went.
"We never had any set objectives, but we are delighted that we have made it to the final.
"In the semi final against Caithness, all the players were up for it and are delighted to make the final."
Club secretary Nadene McCulloch says Sutherland Women was formed to give people the chance to play football in the county.
But she said a 7–4 defeat to Buckie in the league saw a change in attitude, which saw them thrash Buckie 7–1 in the Cup quarter finals seven days later before demolishing Caithness 10–1 in the semi final.
"From the beginning, the girls just wanted to play football, it was never about winning things," said McCulloch.
"But everyone has gelled really well and after the defeat to Buckie in the league, everyone took that badly.
"From there we turned things around, things changed at the club, we went to Buckie and played amazingly well and it was the same against Caithness. We just got down to business.
"We knew what we had to go and do and everyone had the final in their sights."
Sutherland drew 2–2 with Clachnacuddin in the league earlier this season.
But Smith says he will have a stronger squad available for the final and is confident they can take the trophy home.
"The draw was an even game, we didn't have a full team out for that match and I think that may make a difference for the final.
"Both teams felt they dropped a point that day, Clach are a good team and they might have experience in their favour.
"But our players acquitted themselves well the last time we played them and i'm sure we'll do the same on Sunday."
The final takes place on Sunday at 2pm at Station Park in Nairn.
