North of Scotland Cup final opponents Brora Rangers will pose a different challenge to Clachnacuddin manager Jordan Macdonald than Formartine United in Highland League as Lilywhites prepare for showcase in Inverness
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Manager Jordan Macdonald says Clachnacuddin will expect a different test from Brora Rangers than they faced from Formartine United when they clash in the North of Scotland Cup final on Saturday.
The Lilywhites will attempt to win their first trophy in eight years when they take on the Cattachs at Grant Street Park.
Clachnacuddin’s last tournament success was winning the Highland League Cup in 2014 when they beat Buckie Thistle on penalties.
But it has been two decades since Clachnacuddin last won the North of Scotland Cup when they defeated Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2–0 at Grant Street Park in the 2001/02 season.
Clach warmed up for Saturday’s final when they pushed title contenders Formartine United close in the Highland League last weekend, as two late goals saw the Lilywhites go down to a 3–1 defeat.
Shaun Sutherland gave Clach the lead on the half hour but Julian Wade equalised for United just before half time.
Danail Dimov and Scott Lisle then scored two late goals to take all three points back to Pitmedden.
Macdonald says despite Brora Rangers also being considered title contenders, they will pose a different sort of opposition to Formartine United last weekend.
“Formartine and Brora play two different styles,” analysed MacDonald.
“Formartine are very direct and long and are good are doing that.
“They use the long throw to their advantage, but Brora Rangers like to get the ball down and pass it.
“It is promises to be a good football game on Saturday.”
The final has been switched to Grant Street Park from its original proposed venue in Lossiemouth due to transport issues, which promises to draw in a big crowd to Merkinch on Saturday.
But with Brora Rangers already winning 4–0 at Clachnacuddin last month in the Highland League, Macdonald says that will count for little when they take to the field, knowing they have to do all their talking on the pitch.
“It is a cup final, whether we are playing at home or elsewhere,” he said.
“It is our first cup final for a number of years and it is something that we have to look forward to.
“We will lift our heads up for the final.
“I spoke to the lads after the Formartine result and told them it is now about getting ourselves as best prepared for the final as we can.”
