McAuslan roars back for Buckie in style with stunning hat-trick
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HAT-trick heroine Emily McAuslan's strikes helped claim all three points for Buckie Ladies when they hosted Caithness on Sunday.
The Highlanders restricted their hosts' impact in the first half at Gordon Park, Portgordon, with Buckie goalkeeper Sophia Golebiewski pulling off a stunning double save to keep the scores level at the break.
However, it was a more composed and confident home side which emerged for the second half, with midfielder McAuslan heading home to break the deadlock, later adding two more to secure the points and make it two wins out of two for the league champions.
Buckie Ladies manager Laura Duncan said: "In the first half we didn't play our best and Sophia had a fantastic double save to stop Caithness scoring.
"In the second half our shape was much better, we were more composed and confident and passed the ball a lot better.
"Our fitness levels were very important and that changed the game. Caithness started tiring and we put on fresh legs, including winger Skye Milne. Her speed is phenomenal and she really caused Caithness a lot of problems.
"I'm delighted for Emily getting her hat-trick. She's currently studying to be a PE teacher down in Ayr but she's currently on placement at Elgin Academy which means she can play for us. I think this is her last year down there so hopefully we'll be able to welcome her back permanently."
Buckie will be on their travels this coming Sunday when they head to the Highlands to play Sutherland. Their hosts endured a miserable day at the office after making the trip to Orkney, finding themselves on the wrong end of a 4-0 drubbing from the islanders.
However, Duncan warned that this should not be used as any sort of yardstick for the forthcoming clash with Buckie.
She added: "Sutherland didn't do well up at Orkney but they were struggling for players.
"It'll be a different story when they're playing at home and I'm sure it'll be a tough game."
On the injury front, Millie Findlay is currently nursing a calf problem and while Lorna Young is also carrying a knock, she should be fit in time for Sunday's game.
