Clachnacuddin aiming to be better than second best in quest for silverware as they start campaign against Sutherland in Inverness
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CLACHNACUDDIN will kick off their Highlands and Islands Women’s League campaign against Sutherland at Inverness Royal Academy on Sunday.
The Lilywhites finished second in the division last season to Caley Thistle Development and were also runners-up in the Highlands and Islands League Cup final losing 3–2 to Sutherland.
Clachnacuddin will be hoping to go one better in both competitions and add to the league title which they won in 2019.
Manager Rob Macleod believes his team are in a good position to launch a serious league title bid and be contenders to lift the League Cup in 2022.
“Ideally, that is the ultimate aim for us,” said Macleod.
“But it is about how the girls get on and if I get my preparations right and if I have concentrated on the right things.
“I have a few new players in the squad and they look promising.
“Knowing more what is ahead than last season, I think that we have a good chance this year.
“Even if we ended up in the same position like we did last season, I think we would be delighted.”
Although, MacLeod thinks the standard of this season’s competition will be higher and tougher than last year.
He highlighted champions Caley Thistle Development only recording a 4–1 in Orkney last weekend.
In the same fixture last season, Caley Thistle beat Orkney 23–0 and Macleod says more competitive matches can only be good for the league.
“Every team is in the same boat, where they are looking to do better than last season.
“Caley Thistle only beat Orkney 4–1 which is a difference straight away and results like that are encouraging for the league.
“It was a farce last season the amount of goals, even by us, that were being scored against certain teams.
“But signs are it will be a more competitive season.”
Nairn St Ninian also start their league campaign on Sunday when they face Orkney at Nairn Showfield.
Brora Rangers face Caithness and Kirkwall City take on Buckie.
