Clachnacuddin manager Conor Gethins believes Lilywhites have closed the gap to Highland League’s top teams after Buckie performance
Conor Gethins is confident “the gap is not huge” between Clach and defending champions Buckie Thistle despite Saturday’s defeat.
The 2-0 reverse at Grant Street Park broke a fine run of results for the Lilywhites who had enjoyed four wins and five games undefeated in league and cup action prior to the setback.
The Irishman’s impact as manager is undisputed since taking the reins eight months ago, with experienced signings blending well with youth talent.
But Gethins reckons the Buckie visit was a 90 minutes too far just three days after the adrenaline-pumping extra-time and penalty kicks North of Scotland Cup triumph over Nairn County.
“Buckie was a funny game, to be honest,” Gethins said.
“They scored their goal after three minutes. After that, I felt we took full control of the game and probably should have went in at the break 2-1 up.
“Josh Meekings had an excellent chance at the back post and Jack Davidson had a few shots saved by Mark Ridgers.
“In the second half, I felt our boys tired a lot and Buckie had control of the game, moving the ball and our players.
“In the fine margins of football, you need to be clinical – they were clinical and we weren’t.
“We’ve played five games in 15 days and it took a toll on the boys. Buckie deserved their win in the end, but I can’t be too critical of our lads.”
Measuring the Saturday defeat to past Buckie clashes is no straightforward matter, given the Clach actually beat the eventual champions on their own turf last season.
But the Merkinch side’s manager is enthused by his players’ attitude to defeats and disappointments these days.
“It is a funny league this year, with teams winning games you don’t expect,” he said.
“We beat Buckie last year away from home and I felt, on Saturday, we were pretty even over the piece.
“They just had a little better quality in different areas on Saturday and the experience of a team who have played together for four or five years now.
“But the gap is not huge – we’re making good progress, which is pleasing.
“Listen there still is a gulf within the league. The more the season levels off, that will become apparent.
“But last season we probably would have gone to Buckie thinking if we came away with a 5-0 defeat, we were doing well.
“On Saturday, the boys were really disappointed to be beaten 2-0 and were feeling like they could have taken something from the game.
“So we’ve come a long way in the eight months since we took over the team.
“It seems like we’re starting to get that belief back in the boys again.”
