Clachnacuddin know importance of three points against Caley Thistle Development in first Highlands and Islands League Inverness derby of the season
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Clachnacuddin's bid to regain the Highlands and Islands League title could receive a massive boost this weekend – or they could lose ground early in the campaign.
Those are the stakes that face the Lilywhites against defending champions ICT Development in an Inverness derby on Sunday.
Clach have made no secret of their ambitions to win trophies in 2022, and they have every reason to believe they can pick up three points after winning last year's Highlands and Islands League Cup semi final against the Caley Jags.
“That match is very important," Clach captain Nicky MacDonald said.
“I think it’s going to be more competitive. We want to go out there and win, and we have the determination to do it.
“It will be a good game – a close game I think. Hopefully with the improvements we’ve made and the way we play these days, we’ll get the win.
“They are feisty, tough derby games. The semi final was tough obviously, but it was hard-fought. The league games were tight as well – this time I think we might give them a run for their money.
“If we want to win the league – and obviously we’ve got the semi final of the cup as well – we need to win these games.
“Maybe we can do a double. That’s what’s driving us on this year."
A recurring theme already in the 2022 campaign has been the improvement of several sides – Clach included according to MacDonald.
Plenty of players are attending training, which in turn is driving standards up at Grant Street Park, and the skipper feels things are gelling together nicely at the club.
If Clach are to become champions again, then, it will be as tough as ever, but three points at Inverness would go a long way to helping their cause.
“It would be a confidence booster," MacDonald stressed.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to continue our winning streak and maybe even win the league.
“That’s our challenge to be honest, that’s our aim – to play the way we are playing and keep up the performances we’re putting in every Sunday.
"As the league develops every team is improving. It's definitely getting harder, not easier."
On a personal note for MacDonald, winning silverware in 2022 is providing plenty of motivation as she is considering hanging up her boots at the end of the season.
“It would definitely mean more this season, because I’m thinking about retiring," she added.
“I think this might be my last season, so winning the league and the cup as a captain would probably be the ultimate dream.”
