Clach shatter Buckie Ladies' cup final dreams
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INSTEAD of a field of dreams Merson Park became a vale of tears for Buckie Ladies FC when their Highlands and Islands League Cup final dreams were dashed 11-0 by a rampant Clach.
The Invernessians took an early stranglehold on the game, scoring twice within the first five minutes. Six more were to follow before the half-time whistle. Some tactical changes and substitutions by Buckie manager Mel Smith partially steadied the ship although three more goals were to pile on the heartache.
Speaking after the game, Smith said: "I'm just devastated, that was a shocking performance, certainly our worst this season, maybe our worst ever which unfortunately was in front of our biggest ever crowd.
"They didn't get to see the real Buckie Ladies and the way we like to play. On behalf of the team I'd like to thank them and everyone else who supported us on Sunday and throughout the season.
"It just didn't happen for us today. We lost a couple of early goals and Clach dominated the game.
"The quines have been working very hard in training, they have passion, hunger, drive and dedication and were really up for this. They didn't deserve to lose 11-0.
"It's a case of onwards and upwards now and take lessons from this game.
"Our best wishes go to Clach for the final."
Player-of-the-match was goalkeeper Becky Bellamy, a player Smith described as having enjoyed a great deal of improvement this season.
The Ladies have a month to pick themselves up before facing the stern test of league leaders Lewis and Harris on Saturday, August 17. Follow the club's Facebook page for more updates.
Buckie Ladies: Becky Bellamy; Sara Christie; Carie Findlay; Mel Smith; Bethany Brown; Laura
Duncan; Kourtniy Sim; Rebecca McMillan; Michelle Jonson; Steph Greenlees. Subs: Vicky Colville; Emma Laing (both used).
