Manager says reaching final is big moment for women's football in Caithness
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CAITHNESS Ladies celebrated making history as they reached the Highlands and Islands League Cup final for the first time after defeating Sutherland 3-1.
It is the first time the club have reached a cup final since the Highlands and Islands League was established in 2019.
Captain Carly Erridge scored a double with Sophie Kinghorn also finding the net to give them victory at Back Park in Castletown in front of a big crowd.
They will now face cup holders and league champions Buckie in the final after they beat Nairn St Ninian 4-0 in Portgordon.
The final will take place on Sunday, September 24 at a venue still to be confirmed.
Manager Tom McKenna hailed his players for an outstanding victory against one of the top teams in the Highlands and Islands League.
“The players were overjoyed with the result they achieved and reaching the club’s first ever cup final,” said McKenna.
“There are players who have been at the club for over 10 years and for them to reach their first ever final means a lot to them.
“They thoroughly deserved their victory on Sunday.
“During the time I have been in charge at the club they have worked incredibly hard.
“The progression they have made compared to last season has been unbelievable and that is testament to the players, not just as individuals, but as a group too.”
McKenna believes Sunday’s victory could be a massive moment for women’s football in Caithness.
With the club now reaching a cup final, he thinks it will be a boost for the women’s game in the far north.
“The numbers at the club are growing which is a great sign compared to last year when I was told we were struggling to get enough players for a game,” he said.
“At our last training session, we had 25 players at training and we have young girls coming through.
“The players at the club want to inspire the younger girls and parents have called me asking me how they can get their kids involved.
“There is no other opportunities for young girls to get involved in solely girls’ and women’s football in Caithness and we want to create that. This a big chance for the county to embrace women’s football.
“It is the fastest growing sport in the world and it’s getting more exposure in this country like never before.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to get more women involved in football up here and we want to provide that.
“The club is self sufficient, the girls run the club and have their own committee.
“You have to see for yourself how hard they work for the club to appreciate what they have done.”
