BUCKIE Thistle manager Graeme Stewart has hailed his side's performance against Premiership side Ross County as "unbelievable".
The Jags drew 1-1 with County in their Premier Sports Cup campaign opener at Victoria Park, before losing out on a bonus point as they went down 5-3 on penalty kicks.
Buckie Thistle's first penalty by Marcus Goodall was saved. ..Buckie Thistle (1) vs Ross County (1) - Ross County win the penalty shootout - Premier Sports League Cup at Victoria Park, Buckie, 09/07/2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Sam Urquhart forced home the opener for the Jags after 53 minutes, before Dominic Samuel equalised just after the hour mark.
Buckie Thistle's Sam Urquhart (centre, hidden) wheels away to celebrate his opener with team mate Max Barry. ..Buckie Thistle (1) vs Ross County (1) - Ross County win the penalty shootout - Premier Sports League Cup at Victoria Park, Buckie, 09/07/2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..Buckie Thistle's Sam Urquhart (centre) wheels away to celebrate his opener...Buckie Thistle (1) vs Ross County (1) - Ross County win the penalty shootout - Premier Sports League Cup at Victoria Park, Buckie, 09/07/2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Graeme Stewart, who was serving a touchline ban, was delighted with his side’s performance against a side playing four divisions above them.
“We were unbelievable,” he said. “I thought that in terms of chances created we actually edged it.
Buckie Thistle manager Graeme Stewart was banned from the dugout...Buckie Thistle (1) vs Ross County (1) - Ross County win the penalty shootout - Premier Sports League Cup at Victoria Park, Buckie, 09/07/2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
“A draw was the least that we deserved and we should probably have scored at the end.
“Max Barry was the best player on the pitch but they were all good so I’m over the moon with the performance.”
Buckie Thistle's Max Barry takes a chance...Buckie Thistle (1) vs Ross County (1) - Ross County win the penalty shootout - Premier Sports League Cup at Victoria Park, Buckie, 09/07/2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
Staggies boss Malky Mackay reserved special praise for Buckie Thistle but said his team will need time to gel.
Ross County manager Malky Mackay...Buckie Thistle (1) vs Ross County (1) - Ross County win the penalty shootout - Premier Sports League Cup at Victoria Park, Buckie, 09/07/2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
He said: “We knew that Buckie were well organised and well drilled.
“We’re still a new group getting to know each other so at full time it was important to secure the bonus point.
Dominic Samuel celebrates after scoring the equaliser for Ross County...Buckie Thistle (1) vs Ross County (1) - Ross County win the penalty shootout - Premier Sports League Cup at Victoria Park, Buckie, 09/07/2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
"They did that but great credit to Buckie today and everybody involved, from the directors and the staff, they are a great credit to this club.”
The Jags travel to face Dunfermline on Tuesday night before hosting Alloa Athletic on Saturday. Their cup campaign will end at East Fife.
Buckie Thistle goalkeeper Balint Demus impressed on his competitive debut. ..Buckie Thistle (1) vs Ross County (1) - Ross County win the penalty shootout - Premier Sports League Cup at Victoria Park, Buckie, 09/07/2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..Buckie Thistle's Cohen Ramsay...Buckie Thistle (1) vs Ross County (1) - Ross County win the penalty shootout - Premier Sports League Cup at Victoria Park, Buckie, 09/07/2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..Buckie Thistle full back Hamish Munro plays the ball out infront of a packed crowd...Buckie Thistle (1) vs Ross County (1) - Ross County win the penalty shootout - Premier Sports League Cup at Victoria Park, Buckie, 09/07/2022...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..
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