Martin Callum says Clachnacuddin’s run to the North of Scotland Cup final has given them a taste for success.
The Lilywhites begin their GPH Builders Merchants Highland League Cup campaign against Turriff United at the Haughs on Saturday in a 2pm kick-off.
Earlier this season, the Inverness outfit reached their first final since 2014.
Although they were edged out by Brora Rangers, midfielder Callum – who is also part of Clach’s coach staff – believes the experience will benefit them in the League Cup.
The 34-year-old, who played in Clach’s last success in this competition in 2014, said: “We did well in the North of Scotland Cup and in the final we had opportunities in the game which we didn’t take and ultimately Brora deserved to win it.
“It was a great day, a great occasion for the supporters and the players – especially the young ones who were experiencing it for the first time.
“The boys have had a taste of what it’s like getting to a cup final.
“That gives us motivation, because on our day we’re good enough to give anyone a game and beat anyone.”
Lilywhites look for cup boost
Progression in the League Cup would give Clach a welcome boost.
Jordan MacDonald’s side have won just once in their last nine fixtures and sit 15th in the Breedon Highland League table.
Callum added: “We’ve not been as bad as our position in the league might suggest.
“We’ve played well in spells in games, but not got the results we wanted so I don’t think morale is low.
“I feel we’ll kick on and start picking up some results and hopefully Saturday is the start of that.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to progress in the cup, but it won’t be easy because Turriff turned us over at home in the league.
“They’re a good side, but it’s an opportunity for us to get a win and progress in the cup.”
Callum believes the last meeting between the sides also provides the Clach squad with plenty of motivation.
The Lilywhites were beaten 4-1 by Turriff in August in the league.
He said: “It’s not nice losing any game, but especially the manner we lost that game against Turriff.
“The motivation for us is to try to put that right, but we know from that game they’ve got strengths.
“They’re very good going forward and they work really hard. Even last year when we beat them they were really hard games.
“We know we’ve got a fight on our hands, we need to work hard for each other.
“But if we can defend well and match their work rate, I feel we’ve got players that can cause them problems.”
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