Clachnacuddin manager Conor Gethins puts Inverness squad on high alert for tough festive run of matches to close of 2024
Conor Gethins admits every corner of his Clachnacuddin squad will be tested to the limit through December.
The Lilywhites face five games in three weeks before the New Year bells toll, stretching through tomorrow’s visit of Lossiemouth through to Brora Rangers on Wednesday and then derby action against Nairn County next Saturday.
After that flurry of action within seven days, the next two assignments will be fourth-placed Inverurie Locos at home and then Scottish Cup adventurers Fraserburgh away.
Such a schedule would test any team in the league and Gethins knows he will learn much about the character and resilience of his players, as well as the strength and depth of his squad, in the process.
“It is a really tough run for us coming up,” the Irishman observed. “We know we have to play those teams at some point, and we relish those types of matches, but it is maybe just a wee bit unfortunate that they all fall together.
“We’re capable of taking some very good points from those games and we will attack the games ahead with a lot of positivity. More than that, it will be good to get ourselves back home after three tough matches on the road.
“We’ve only been at our ground once since losing to Brora in the North of Scotland Cup final, so we’re due a performance in front of our fans.”
Clach’s recent results have stalled momentum in the league, but the Merkinch men remain in a very good position in the table - four points behind the three teams locked joint third, with games in hand on two of them.
Rorie MacLeod will serve the second installment of his two-match ban, but everyone else barring long-term injury victim Gavin Morrison is free and fit to play.
“We’ve been a bit light in terms of squad and we’ll need everyone ready to contribute during this period,” Gethins stressed.
“Although we’re a bit light in numbers, the boys are fit enough to withstand what’s coming. They all work hard for the team.”
Clach need to rediscover their scoring touch after four blanks in their last four away matches. Last time at home, against Forres Mechanics in early November, they netted four.
“Lossie are never a team to take for granted. We’ve had a few sticky matches against them in my time here,” Gethins admitted.
“We’re aware of their threats and we’ll work this week on how we go about trying to beat them.”
