The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Golspie break journey in Fife to stay fresh for their Hawick cup clash
Golspie Sutherland stayed in Fife last night as they prepare to go out all guns blazing against Hawick Royal Albert in the Scottish Cup preliminary round today.
The journey non-stop would take five-and-ahalf hours each way, but the North Caledonian League champions are breaking it up by using Dunfermline as their overnight base.
Manager Sam Mackay knows all about epic trips in the Scottish Cup from his time at Wick Academy and he believes they can use the road time in the best possible way.
He said: “We’re going as far as Dunfermline on Friday. Given the distance, it would be impossible to go down on the Saturday. It’s a huge trip.
“It leaves us a wee bit short in terms of boys working on Friday, but we still have a good squad, so we’re looking forward to it.
“The good thing is you can get everyone together and get a bit of team bonding. Having been on these types of trips with Wick, it has helped us massively to stay down somewhere ahead of the game.”
Hosts Hawick have won once and lost eight as they are rooted to the foot of East of Scotland First Division Conference B.
In their league opener on Saturday, Golspie led 2-1 and trailed 4-2 on their way to a thrilling 4-4 draw with visitors Inverness Athletic.
Liam Bremner bagged a hat-trick for Golspie, while on-loan Clach ace Thomas Lewis scored three for Athletic, with Shaun Urquhart (Golspie) and Kieran Duffty (Inverness) also on the scoresheet.
Meanwhile St Duthus will be seeking to bounce back today from the opening day North Caledonian League defeat at Nairn County reserves.
The Tain team led then trailed in a superb contest at the Riverside last weekend before a lastgasp Logan Hallam goal gave the hosts a 3-2 victory.
Saints start their home campaign against Halkirk, who are top of the pack after a fine 3-0 victory over Thurso.
Inverness Athletic will look to build upon that pulsating point gained in Golspie as they take on Orkney in their new home venue of Ardersier.
Invergordon, who edged out derby rivals Alness 3-2 on Saturday, are at home to Orkney, who get their season started.
Alness will be hot favourites to get three points on the board when they host Bonar Bridge, who were idle last week after Scourie withdrew from the league due to lack of player commitment.
Loch Ness, champions of the Inverness Amateur Premier Division this summer, play their first fixture when they go to Thurso, who will be seeking a reaction following that sore defeat at Halkirk.