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McKenna impressed with attitude from Caithness select in Archer Shield defeat





The Caithness squad for Saturday's Archer Shield game against Orkney in Stromness.
The Caithness squad for Saturday's Archer Shield game against Orkney in Stromness.

Tom McKenna said he was "really impressed" with the attitude of the Caithness AFA select in their annual clash with Orkney at the weekend, even though the islanders came from behind to win 2-1 and reclaim the Archer Shield.

McKenna, the manager of first division side Castletown, was again asked to take charge of the county team and he approached 39 players before settling on a 15-man squad for Saturday's match in Stromness.

“It was still a strong squad and I was really pleased with it," McKenna said. "The lads were very, very good – we just weren't clinical enough in the final third of the park.

"Okay, the result didn't go our way. But regarding possession and chances created we were by far the better team, and I'm not being biased in any sense.

"I was really impressed with the guys and their attitude and the way they played. For a group of lads who hadn't played together, they gelled really well.

“Nobody knows the lengths I went to to try and get a team that represented Caithness, and I tried to balance the numbers from different teams in the league. It doesn't matter what you do, you're not going to keep everybody happy."

McKenna was assisted by Lybster manager Cameron Mackenzie.

"I could have gone myself but it's good to have someone you can bounce things off and have a wee chat with regarding the game and get their thoughts and opinions rather than just being there yourself," McKenna explained.

“He seemed really appreciative and said, 'I've learned so much today – hopefully next time I can contribute a wee bit more.' When I first came up here I coached under-17s for a while and Cameron was one of the players.

"I've known Cameron for a wee while now and I love to see young lads getting involved in management and coaching. He is a young guy and I'm sure he's got a big future. He loves what he's doing, taking on that responsibility.

“He is someone I know and someone I respect so it was good having Cameron at my side.”

After a goalless first half, Wick Thistle's Sam Barclay put Caithness ahead but Orkney grabbed two late goals through David Delday and Graeme Bain to secure the silverware.

“I couldn't ask any more of the lads," McKenna added. "Speaking to them individually afterwards, they all seemed to enjoy themselves.

"It was disappointing losing, but I enjoyed the football and I enjoyed the attitude of the lads. The performance was creditable.”

Caithness squad: Lewis Gallacher (High Ormlie Hotspur), Dylan Alexander (Castletown), Innes Mackintosh (Pentland United), Luke Manson (Pentland United), Owen Harrold (Wick Thistle), Taylor Campbell (Wick Groats), Jonah Martens (Wick Groats) Grant Budge (John O'Groats), James Murray (Pentland United), Cameron Montgomery (Pentland United), Sam Barclay (Wick Thistle), Kieran Macgregor (Castletown), Kian Mackay (Thurso Swifts), Matthew Aitkenhead (Staxigoe United), Lewis Mackillop (Lybster).


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