Well, that was one way to kick off the season! Our St Duthus U18s faced a baptism of fire in their Highland League North return against Clachnacuddin. Despite the score, the coach says valuable lessons were learned, and a 14-year-old made his debut! What will this young squad bring to the pitch next week after such an opener?
The much-anticipated return of St Duthus Under-18s to the Highland League North division culminated in a challenging opening fixture against a formidable Clachnacuddin side, marking a pivotal moment for the young Tain squad after a two-year hiatus from competitive play.
Despite the St Duthus U18s exhibiting spirited efforts, the encounter proved to be a harsh reintroduction to the intensity of the Highland League North. Clachnacuddin demonstrated their prowess, securing a dominant victory that underscored the competitive landscape awaiting the returning Tain team.
Head coach Christopher Grant, though acknowledging the defeat, emphasized the positive takeaways for his burgeoning squad. He articulated that the experience, while difficult, provided “valuable lessons” which would be meticulously analyzed and integrated into future training sessions and subsequent matches in the competitive Scottish Football environment.
The Clachnacuddin offensive was spearheaded by a prolific performance, with Lobban contributing four goals to their tally. McConnachie added a second, while Mikey Mackenzie completed a hat-trick, collectively compounding the St Duthus U18s’ challenges and highlighting areas for defensive improvement and strategic adjustment in their Youth Football development journey.
A notable moment amidst the demanding opener was the debut of 14-year-old goalkeeper Tom Sowerby for the St Duthus Under-18s. His inclusion signifies the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent and provides a glimpse into the future prospects emerging from their football development pathways.
Beyond the St Duthus fixture, other teams commenced their Highland League North campaigns with varying fortunes. North champions Wick Academy, now under the guidance of Scott Bremner, successfully defended their title with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nairn County, signaling their continued strong presence in the league.
Furthermore, Inverness Athletic delivered an emphatic performance, securing a resounding 9-1 win away to Fort William, showcasing their offensive capabilities. Similarly, Forres Mechanics enjoyed considerable success at Mosset Park, triumphing over Balloan Thistle with a dominant 10-2 scoreline, further illustrating the diverse competitive dynamics within the Highland League North.
