Clachnacuddin look to reach second round of Scottish Cup against Raith Rovers in Kirkcaldy
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CLACHNACUDDIN are one game away from potentially meeting the biggest names in women’s football when they face Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup first round.
The Lily Ladies made history when they picked up their first victory in the competition when they defeated Livingston outfit Murieston United 4–3 in the preliminary round.
Now they are heading to Stark’s Park in Kirkcaldy, hoping to take another scalp in the tournament.
Rovers are in fifth place in the SWFL North/East League having won only four of their 14 matches this season, losing nine of them.
Clachnacuddin Women manager Rob Macleod believes his team are capable of claiming victory in Fife.
He says the prospect of facing the likes of top teams such as Celtic, Rangers and Glasgow City in the next round is all the motivation they need to secure victory this weekend.
“One of the girls found a video of them and I would safely say we will be able to give them a game,” said Macleod.
“No disrespect to that league, but I think they are on a par with teams such as ourselves and Caley Thistle Development in terms of ability.
“The second round is on December 19 and there is still another game to aim for the end of the year. We will be doing all we can to progress.
“There are players missing we would like to have had but we are confident, I think there is enough determination over the 90 minutes to get the job done.
Clachnacuddin will be missing key players ahead of the trip to Raith.
Claire Masterton and Gemma Nutt are definitely ruled out through injury with co-captain Nicky MacDonald currently unavailable due to work commitments.
Speaking about their preliminary round win over Murieston, Macleod says they took a substantial early lead, but were perhaps guilty of allowing their opponents back into the match.
He said that is something they will look to avoid doing on Sunday.
“With the girls taking an early lead and racking up the goals early on, they felt quite comfortable, almost too comfortable. Maybe they took the foot off the pedal towards the end of the game.”
