Clach boss Polworth aims to halt quality Buckie attack
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CLACH boss Iain Polworth pinpointed Buckie Thistle’s recruitment as the main reason why they are flying high in the Highland League.
Buckie travel to Grant Street Park this Saturday fresh from losing their unbeaten record in midweek at Keith.
Graeme Stewart’s side have plundered 74 goals in their 16 games so far.
Their front three of John McLeod, ex-Clach and Nairn man Sam Urquhart and Chris Angus have found the net 63 times, with McLeod accounting for 30 of those.
They put four past the Merkinchers on the opening day of the season at Victoria Park and have won 13 of their 16 league fixtures.
Polworth has a clear idea of what lies behind their success.
He said: "The quality they took in over the summer – Sam Urquhart is a big player for them and someone we know well.
"John McLeod has been banging in the goals, as has Chris Angus, and it’s a big positive for Graeme (Stewart) as he’s got great strength in depth.
"Sam and John have added a lot of goals to what they already have and there will be a couple of former players that are maybe out to get one over on us."
As well as Urquhart, Buckie also possess Andrew Skinner, who left Clach for Nairn last year and made the switch to the Jags this summer.
Saturday’s opponents lie just two points off the top and have two games in hand on leaders Brora Rangers, putting them firmly in title contention.
Polworth added: "They’re definitely one of the best teams in the league. At the moment, there’s probably four teams – Buckie, Formartine, Cove and Brora – that are fighting it out. I’m sure Buckie will be going all out to get a win."
Polworth will be without Martin Callum and Scott Maclean through injury this weekend, although Stuart Leslie is available again after returning from working offshore.
Clach go into the game on the back of a creditable 3-3 draw with Fraserburgh last weekend. Blair Lawrie put the visitors in front in the first minute, but a brace from Willie West and a further goal from Jamie Beagrie but the Broch 3-1 up.
However, a Lilywhites fightback with 15 minutes to go, thanks to goals from Daniel MacLennan and Ian Penwright, earned them a point.
