Golspie set for women’s football Highland showdown
Golspie in Sutherland is set for the Scottish Women’s Football’s Highlands and Islands Cup Final on Saturday, with free entry for the showpiece between holders Buckie Ladies and Sutherland Women.
As part of Scottish Women’ Football’s strategy to host showpiece events in communities across Scotland, fans of women’s football can enjoy a 9v9 youth final between Forres Girls and Ross County at 10:30 am followed by the main event between Buckie Ladies and Sutherland Women at 14:30 at George V Park in Golspie.
The two ScottishPower Highlands and Islands League rivals met in the 2022 cup final in Nairn, which was decided on penalties, so another close game can be expected. Buckie Ladies remain the holders and will be looking to retain the trophy for the third season in a row.
Ahead of the final, Sutherland captain Bethany Sutherland said:
“We are really excited to be competing in our third Highlands and Islands League Cup Final and it’s an honour to be captaining the side. As a team, we have been on a good run of form these last few weeks and we’ve been playing some great football, so the confidence and belief is high within the squad.
“As a squad we are a tight knit group and I think that really helps when you go into these big games, we all know we’re backing one another. This season we’ve beaten, drawn and lost to Buckie, so on results alone we already know it’s going to be a great game. I know the whole team can’t wait to get out onto the pitch on Saturday and do our team and fans proud!”
Buckie Ladies skipper Rebecca McMillan said:
“I feel incredibly proud to have reached another cup final. Our training, commitment and determination have paid off and I feel we totally deserve to be here.
“To bring the trophy home we need to do what we always do – work together and believe in one another. We all know what we are capable of and what we have worked so hard for.”
Speaking ahead of both finals, SWF CEO Aileen Campbell said:
“The clubs in our Highlands and Islands leagues span an enormous geographic area and show real determination and commitment to play their sport, despite the challenges. We are delighted to bring our cup final to Golspie this year, somewhere new and into a community that we hope will feel inspired by seeing fantastic role models playing a cracking game of football. We know games between Sutherland and Buckie are always close and entertaining, and I’m sure we will see the same again on Saturday. Best of luck to both teams.”
