Points are the big prize for Caley Thistle Development ahead of Inverness derby against Clachnacuddin in Highlands and Islands League, according to skipper Mel Macdonald
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ICT Development captain Mel Macdonald is prepared for a tougher match than usual as a local derby against Clachnacuddin approaches – but insists they will not get carried away looking for bragging rights.
Sunday’s match will pit the first two winners of the Highlands and Islands League against each other, with Caley Thistle the defending champions.
Clach will undoubtedly be trying to claw their way back to the summit this season, but Macdonald believes ICT will only be concerned with picking up three points.
“We’re excited, and we feel like we’re ready for it,” she stressed.
“We know Clach are a good team – we can’t underestimate them – but we’re feeling strong and confident.
“There is history between the teams with us both being Inverness based, but it makes for an exciting game.
“We’re not really concerned about bragging rights, we just want the three points if we can get them.
“Derbies are always that bit more physical, there’s usually a bigger crowd with fans of both sides.
“With how competitive this season is going to be, picking up as many points as early in the season as possible is going to come into play at the end of the season.”
The Caley Jags are the early pace setters in the Highlands and Islands League, winning all three of their opening matches.
Macdonald credits that to the focus instilled in them in training, as well as the team spirit prevalent in the group.
“(Coaches) Iain (Firth) and Mary (Peteranna) are really good at just getting us prepared for every game,” Macdonald reasoned.
“It’s just picking up on little things that we can do better and taking that into the next week. Hopefully they can make that difference.
“We’re a much smaller team this season, very tight-knit. There is a better bond – we’re all pushing each other. It feels like a proper unit, we work really well with each other. Every team has had to adapt, so I think that has really brought us together.”
