Cove clash spells tough start for Clach
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Iain Polworth reckons his Clach side are in for a tough start to the 2014-15 Highland League season after being handed a home clash against Cove Rangers to kick off the campaign.
The Lilywhites, who won the Highland League Cup and finished 11th in the table after a vastly improved second half to last season, welcome the 2013 champions on August 2.
They’ll then follow that up with a midweek trip to Wick Academy and a visit to Buckie Thistle, the side who they conquered on penalties to lift the cup, in a busy first week.
Polworth said: “It’s good to be at home but it really is a tough one, and it doesn’t get any easier going away to Wick after that.
“It’s a difficult start.
“You take what you’re given, you’ve got to play them all.”
Clashes with local rivals Nairn County are set to be played on November 1 at Grant Street and March 14 at Station Park.
The Merkinchers will complete their season at home to Strathspey Thistle on April 18.
Meanwhile, as the Lilies staff put together their pre-season preparations, Polworth is still waiting for Mark Dougall and Dachi Khutsishvili to decide if they’ll remain Clach players next season.
Both players have been offered contracts, but Dougall is understood to want more game time, while Khutsishvili mulls over a move back to his native Georgia.
Polworth said: “There’s no activity at the moment.
“They’ve not signed, they’re making sure they’re keeping their options open.
“It’s a busy time of year for the backroom staff as we’re putting pre-season plans together as well as speaking to players and trying to identify what we need to go and improve next season.”
For a the full list of Clach's Highland League fixtures, see this week's Highland News.
