Clachnacuddin legend Blair Lawrie eyeing charge up Highland League table
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Blair Lawrie insists Clach are a match for anyone in the Highland League when they play with belief and confidence.
The veteran attacker is backing the Lilywhites to climb the table in the New Year having come through a difficult spell and turned in two big performances against Huntly and Brora Rangers.
Lawrie was back in favour as a starter in the 2–0 home triumph over Huntly and the unfortunate 4–2 defeat to title contenders Brora.
“A few games this season have shown it – when we play well, and step out with confidence, I don’t think many teams in the league can live with us,” the 36-year-old, now in his testimonial season, said.
“If we can defend properly, first and foremost, then go out and play our football then so many of the young boys are really good on the ball and move it really well.”
After the blank weekend approaching, Clach will face Turriff United and Keith before a festive derby double-header against Nairn County.
While currently berthed in 16th place on 13 points, only four points separate Jordan MacDonald’s side from seven teams above.
“It would be easy to look at the current table and be disheartened, but the points difference is really tight,” Lawrie stressed.
“A couple of wins jump you up a few places. We’ve got the players, certainly, to do that and our young striker James Anderson has started scoring again.
“He’s really important to us and, as his confidence grows again, he will be a big player.
“Goal-wise he is pretty similar to what he was last season and there are lots of games for him to get more.
“It is a big few weeks coming up over Christmas and we can take points from all of those games.
“When we play good forward-thinking football and get the ball moving quickly on the deck there are not many teams that can live with us.
“On our day, we can create problems for most teams and I don’t think anyone enjoys playing us when we perform like that. We’re just working at getting the consistency. If we can keep these boys together they are going to be a force to be reckoned with in the next few years.”
Lawrie, with 16 years’ Clach service, will have a still to be confirmed testimonial match next pre-season, but added: “I’d like to think I can carry on beyond this season. The legs feel good and I enjoy helping the young lads and seeing them develop.”
