Potentially season defining run imminent for Loch Ness as manager Shane Carling weighs up next North Caledonian League opponents St Duthus, Alness United and Fort William
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Shane Carling admits the next three matches could have a massive bearing on how Loch Ness shape up for a title tilt this season.
The Canal Park club, despite availability issues and a low body count, have started superbly in the North Caledonian League and also swept aside Nairn County 6–0 at the weekend to book a Football Times Cup semi final spot.
Loch Ness host St Duthus this weekend, a team with two wins from two so far in the league and one likely to be among the leading pack this season.
They then tackle Alness away before travelling to face Fort William, last season’s relegated Highland League side.
Carling is encouraged by his team’s start, but aware of the importance of maintaining it through some pivotal tests.
“We’ve started well and we’re undefeated, with a really good win against Nairn in the cup as well,” the Loch Ness manager said.
“In the first game of the season we drew 0–0 Orkney, our only slip so far, but it was a day when we just couldn’t put the ball in the net.
“We’ve done well since then, scoring freely, and the big one for us was beating Invergordon, the champions, 3–1. We’re in a good place right now.
“The boys are playing with a lot of confidence, but St Duthus will be a big test for us. They have some very good players, but if we keep our form going, keep working hard, I don’t see why we can’t come away with a good result.
“Three points from it, even at this stage in the season, would be huge. To be honest, the next three are massive.
“If we were able to come away with three wins it would give us a huge platform going forward.”
A clutch of Loch Ness players are still embroiled in the tail end of the shinty season, notably central defenders Christopher Innes and and Steve MacDonald.
Carling praised midfielder captain Conor MacPhee and left back Scott MacLean for deputising in their absence.
