Buckie Ladies’ warrior spirit shines through despite league challenge heartache
There was a bitter sweet end to the season for Buckie Ladies when their league challenge fell in the final game.
The squad had shown their warrior spirit to keep the contest open until the last 90 minutes, shrugging off a rocky start to the season which saw them lose a game and then draw two more.
A must-win trip to Dingwall on Sunday stood between the Gordon Park side - who had claimed the Highlands and Islands League Cup for the third time in a row the previous weekend - and the championship, but a hard fought encounter saw Ross County walk away with a 1-0 victory.
Hope did flicker in the second half when Buckie had the ball in the net, but it was chalked off for offside.
Buckie Ladies manager Laura Duncan said: “We had our chances during the game and overall we played really well.
“We gave as good as we got and in the first 20 minutes we were the better side, but after that County settled, got their goal and saw the game out.
“It was disappointing to see our goal disallowed but at the end of the day we needed at least two, a draw was never going to be enough.
“Well done to Ross County on winning the league championship.”
Duncan went on to speak of her pride in the squad which lifted the League Cup and came within a whisker of doing likewise with the league itself.
She continued: “I’m incredibly proud of all the quines, after the start we had of a loss and two draws I didn’t think we’d be standing here at the last game of the season still in with a chance of the title.
“The commitment shown this season by the squad has been unreal.
“Looking back at the season, I’m very happy with things. We’ve had a number of new players and the team is really starting to gel.
“The future looks very bright for Buckie Ladies.”
Duncan thanked the supporters and sponsors for their resolute backing of the side during the season.
She went on to reveal she was looking to return to a less prominent role with the club, having previously been assistant manager when Buckie first claimed the league and League Cup before taking over the hotseat herself.
Duncan added: “I’d still like to be involved with the team but not as manager.
“I’d like to take a step back to something like assistant manager, if possible.”
Anyone wishing more information on the role should message via the club’s Facebook page.
While Buckie Ladies’ league challenge may not have panned out quite as planned they remain the record holders for both the league (two titles) and the League Cup (three triumphs).
