No chance of easy derby win, says Nairn County boss Sharp
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Ronnie Sharp says Nairn County will be taking nothing for granted when they face Clachnacuddin in the Scottish Cup first round.
Nairn have been one of the surprise packages in the Highland League this season having only lost one match and have beaten Brora Rangers as well as taken a point off Fraserburgh.
In contrast, Clachnacuddin are bottom of the table having only avoided defeat once in the league.
But manager Sharp says derby matches between the two in the past has proven they can’t take victory as a foregone conclusion.
“We played Clachnacuddin last season and we won one game each,” he said.
“We are not taking anything for granted with this one.
“Clach always seem to play well against us but hopefully we will have enough to get through
“It will be a tricky game for us. It is a derby and anything goes.
“Getting past the first round is our target at the moment.”
Sharp was disappointed Nairn aren’t facing a team from outside the Highland League.
However playing against their derby rivals at home in the cup is being seen as a consolation.
“It is not the best to play in the Scottish cup against a team in your own league.
“It doesn’t have the same buzz as if we were playing a team from down south.
“However, the fact it is a derby will add something to the game.”
Sharp says the Scottish Cup is a tournament which is special to the club.
He says everyone is aware of what the rewards are in terms of money and playing against teams from a higher level the further they can progress in the competition.
“Every player wants to play in the Scottish Cup.
“Every club wants to get as far as they can.
“Financially the further you get is good in both ways for the players and the club.”
Tom Maclennan has a groin problem and Ryan MacDonald has a broken nose meaning both players will miss the match.
Nairn County came from 2-0 behind to draw 2-2 with Fraserburgh at Station Park last weekend.
