BUCKIE Ladies eye double cup glory as League Cup final beckons
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THE first leg of doing the double double awaits Buckie Ladies this Sunday as they head to Nairn for the Highlands and Islands League Cup final.
Caithness will stand in their way at Station Park of Buckie retaining the cup they won 3-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout at the same venue last year when they vanquished Sutherland.
Since that historic day for Buckie Ladies – the cup was the club's first ever trophy, followed later in the year by the championship title – the then assistant manager Laura Duncan has taken over the hotseat at Gordon Park.
She said that she had every confidence in her squad's ability to do the needful on Sunday although they were being far from complacent.
"The mood in the camp is quite positive, we're up for it," Duncan continued.
"While we got beaten 4-0 in our last game, in the Scottish Cup by Dunfermline, we played really well and the game was very even despite the scoreline.
"At the end of the day they took their chances and we didn't but there were a lot of positives for us to take away from the game, we know what we've got to work on ahead of Sunday."
Buckie had been due to face Ross & Cromarty at home in the league last Sunday but the game was called off, a break Duncan welcomed.
She was under no illusions as to the challenge awaiting her team as they prepare to face the Highlanders.
Duncan said: "We've beaten them twice this season but on the other hand they are the most improved team in the league.
"They gave us a tough time in the second game and they'll be up for it.
"We're not doing anything special in terms of preparation, we'll keep working hard and doing what we do. I've a full squad to choose from so we're in a good place."
She went on to say that when she took over the reins from predecessor Mel Smith after Buckie's double winning season she never expected the club to be standing on the threshold of repeating the feat.
"I never thought we'd be here when the season started.
"We lost a few experienced players from the squad who'd won the double and had a lot of new faces. Some of the under-16 players got pulled into the senior squad and they've helped massively, they've really stepped up.
"Credit for everything the club has achieved goes to the players; they work hard for each other and have always given me 100 per cent."
The final is due to kick off at 2pm at Station Park, Nairn. For match updates and details, follow Buckie Ladies' Facebook page.
