Buckie Ladies take fight to champs Clach
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IMPROVEMENT was the name of the game for Buckie Ladies in their first pre-season friendly, played at the town's all-weather pitch.
The side had set themselves the stiffest of challenges, taking on last season's Highlands and Islands champions Clach, a side which had beaten them 13-0 twice last season.
Sporting an experimental 4-4-2 formation, Buckie went 1-0 up in 25 minutes through right winger Rebecca McMillan. Clach struck back twice before half-time only for the hosts to level five minutes after the restart through left winger Gemma Geddes.
However, the Ladies lost their way in the half which was ruthlessly exploited by the champions, who added another four to their total without reply.
Buckie Ladies manager Mel Smith said: "We played really well in the first half, the improvement was there for everyone to see.
"We matched them in the first half and were unlucky to go in to the break 2-1 down due to two quick goals. The team lost concentration in the second half and we lost some silly goals.
"There was a huge difference in our fitness levels over last season.
"It was a good team performance, everyone battled well."
Smith was also pleased with the new formation, saying the focus was now shifting to bolstering the attack as opposed to the defence. The game also represented a change of scenery for Kathryn Evans, who had previously filled a midfield berth in the side but was moved up top alongside Beth McMillan.
The side's next friendly is pencilled in for Sunday, February 16 against Granite City Ladies – follow the Buckie Ladies Facebook page for updates.
