Buckie secure Highlands and Islands League and Cup double

Buckie Ladies have secured the Highlands and Islands League Cup with a 3-1 victory over Caithness in the final at Nairn County’s Station Park.

Caithness had gone ahead after Lorna Young put it into her own net, but Buckie surged back with goals from Rheo Laurenson, Lori Lappin and Emily McAuslan to retain the cup.

The win was accompanied by early presentation of the ScottishPower Highlands and Islands League title trophy, after Brora Rangers withdrew from the league and left Buckie’s lead at the top of the table unassailable.

Earlier in the day, Inverness Caledonian Thistle lifted the girls 14s Highlands league cup after a thrilling final which saw both they and Ross County score in extra-time to send the final to penalties. In dramatic scenes, a save from ICT keeper Josie O’Brien at Ross County’s eighth spot kick ensured her side lifted the cup.

Championship and League One Cup holders Edinburgh City progressed to the last eight of this year’s cup with a 3-1 victory over Bonnyrigg Rose. First half goals from Holly Aitchison and Niamh Naysmith were supplemented in the second half by an unlucky own goal from Rose. Bonnyrigg grabbed a late consolation from Eilidh Weir but exit the cup.

Also in the second round of SWF’s most senior cup competition, Ayr United and Inverness Caledonian Thistle recorded comfortable 6-0 wins against Hutchison Vale and Falkirk respectively, while 2021 winners Dryburgh Athletic are also through after beating East Fife 2-1 at Bayview. Westdyke beat Morton 6-2 at home to progress.

Rossvale saw off Edinburgh Caledonia 4-1 at Petershill, while Stenhousemuir became the only League One side to make the next round with a narrow 2-1 victory over Queen of the South.