Scottish Cup experience will be valuable for Caithness United U14s
The experience of taking part in the Scottish Cup for under-14 teams will prove to be valuable for Caithness United, according to coach Craig Ross.
The Caithness boys had a 415-mile round trip to Aberdeenshire where they were beaten 4-0 by Ellon Meadows in the third round of the tournament.
“Although it was a defeat, there were many positives to be taken – particularly the whole experience for our players, which is sure to help with their development going forward,” Ross said.
“I’d say it was a game of fine lines, and unfortunately we were on the wrong side of those lines. The boys battled very well in the first half but were 1-0 down at half-time.
“We were more threatening in the second half but just didn’t take our chances and Ellon were more clinical late in the game when we were pressing high in an attempt to get back into the match. Good luck to Ellon in the next round.”
Caithness United under-12s drew 2-2 with their Clachnacuddin counterparts in a challenge match at Charleston Academy. The Caithness goals came from Kian Sutherland and Jackson Weir.

Coach Chris Sutherland said: “It was a really good competitive game, split into three thirds. We started brightly and created some very good scoring opportunities but failed to capitalise on them.
“We did take the lead through a Kian Sutherland header, only for Clach to equalise against the run of play at the end of the third.
“Over the course of the second third we dominated possession, again not scoring through a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping from Clach. Jackson Weir did get us back in front, though – his goal was created through some good team play before a nice touch and finish.
“In the final third Clach went a bit more direct. Our lads struggled to cope with that, and the physicality, but were holding fast thanks also to some really good saves from Owen Jenkins in goal.
“Unfortunately for us, Clach scored from a free kick late on and it ended two goals apiece. All in all it was a very good game between two good teams, and the boys really enjoyed their day out.”