Clachnacuddin's Highland League draw with Inverurie Locos has manager Jordan MacDonald dreaming of Highland League Cup glory
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Jordan MacDonald sees no reason why Clach should not dream of silverware success this season despite a strong focus on league improvement.
The Lilywhites drew great plaudits for Saturday’s spirited show in the 0–0 draw at home to title challengers Inverurie Locos.
Richard Hastings’ side threw everything they had at Clach but drew a blank even after defender Michael McRobert walked for a last-man professional foul on Locos’ 19-goal striker Kieran Shanks.
The result was another boost to MacDonald and his men in a season where he has transformed their playing style and added adventure to their attacking play.
Progress in the league is vital to the Merkinch club’s longer-term targets, but in the shorter-term, the cup offers the chance of a concrete return.
Clach visit Forres Mechanics at Mosset Park next weekend and MacDonald stressed: “The league is a big ask at the moment, given the stage we’re at in our development, but why shouldn’t we have a tilt at one of the cups?
“In one-off games, you can give yourself an opportunity. We’re no different from anyone else.”
After Forres, Clach in the league will face teams outwith the top six through to the end of January.
MacDonald stressed: “We do have a run of games against sides around about us, but these teams will be saying the same about us.
“We’ve taken a lot from those games against the top six and learnt a lot about our players. It is a run of league fixtures where we will look to pick up points. We’ll not look past Forres, though.”
MacDonald was thrilled with the character shown in his side’s backs to the wall, fighting show on Saturday against a high-flying Inverurie Locos side.
“It was superb – I was delighted for them,” MacDonald said.
“It was a very even first half, with not much in it and both sides played some good football. We knew they would try to step it up in the second half and we just had to withstand it.
“Going down to 10 men didn’t help our cause.
“I’d say it was a fair red card. It’s a good foul because otherwise Keiran Shanks would have been through on goal and, at this moment in time, he is pretty deadly.
“The boys then all stuck together and worked so hard just to stop anything Locos tried to do. They had a couple of chances and our keeper Martin Mackinnon made a brilliant save with his feet. All in all, we’re really pleased.”
