Julia Scott says Caley Thistle scoring first goal crucial in quarter final tie against Dryburgh Athletic in Dundee
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The first goal could be crucial for Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s women in the Championship Cup against Dryburgh Athletic this weekend, according to Julia Scott.
It will be a battle of two teams that know each other well, being the only two sides from the previously regionalised north section to enter the national Championship this season.
Between them, they have not had to seek their troubles though. Dryburgh currently sit bottom of the table, while it’s only a recent run of good form that has moved Inverness up into mid-table and within sight of the top.
Although the form book says Caley Thistle would be favourites, Scott knows it will be vital to start well if ICT want to progress.
“We’re a Highland team that play with confidence, so if we can get the first goal or the first tackle in, we can build on that,” Scott explained.
“We’re not great when we have to battle from 1–0 down, but we can build on the three games that we’ve just had.
“Players go into a Sunday with pressure, so being an older player myself I just try to keep the morale up. It’s about trying to explain to the girls that they can do it, we see it on a Tuesday or a Thursday, so keep battling.
“We’re a confident team. We’ve gone three games undefeated, so hopefully we can build on that.
“We’ve played every team in the league now, and I think we can do well this season. We just need to put the ball in the back of the net.”
As one of the more experienced members of the ICT playing squad, Scott has tried to impart wisdom on to her younger teammates – even if they do not always take it on board.
“I wouldn’t say the girls think I’m a mentor, I’m just there for banter to be fair,” Scott laughed.
“I try to use what I’ve learned in my many years of football and bring that into their game, telling them to think about the second pass, not just the first one. They are starting to do that, and I’ll try to be a mentor as well as I can.”