The only way is up for Nairn St Ninian and new Highlands and Islands League season starts on Sunday
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The only way is up for Nairn St Ninian who will start their second Highlands and Islands League campaign looking to avoid finishing bottom of the table.
In the league's first campaign in 2019, the team formerly known as Nairn Ladies ended the season in last place.
Denied the chance to improve their league position in 2020 due to the season being cancelled by the pandemic, the club are looking to become a stronger force in 2021.
On Sunday, Saints begin their campaign to new team Sutherland who are being tipped to do quite well in their first season.
However, Nairn secretary Deanna Lundie says her team are looking to turn a few heads this season and improve on their position in the nine-team league from two years ago.
“We are looking to do better than the last time as we finished bottom, so hopefully we are not bottom this season,” says Lundie.
“It would be quite good if we finished in the middle of the table.
“There are a few teams in the division we have a good chance against, such as Kirkwall City and Orkney, along with Brora Rangers and Buckie.
“With Buckie, we either win or lose, we always take it turns when we play each other.
"But I think we have a good chance against those teams to win.”
It is over 18 months since Nairn St Ninian last played a competitive game due to the 2020 season being cancelled.
However they have a strong squad going into the 2021 campaign, including finding a goalkeeper after putting out a plea earlier this year after struggling to fill that position.
They have signed Lisa Mason, who played for former Highlands and Islands League club Lewis and Harris, who were leading the division in 2019 before pulling out of the competition due to logistic problems.
Lundie is content her squad are prepared for this season’s competition and can’t wait to get back into action.
“It has been so long since we got regular games," she said.
“For a couple of our players it will be their first time competing in the league. It will be a good experience for them.
“We have got 18 players available for Sunday, before we first joined the league we struggled with subs, but now we have plenty.
“Also this year we can have rolling subs which is handy to have. We are fully equipped for our first game.”
Nairn St Ninian take on Sutherland at Nairn Showfield on Sunday at 1pm.
Full fixtures are available to view by clicking here.
