We'd prefer to play and win, says Sinclair as Staxigoe United get a walkover
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Manager Colin Sinclair says Staxigoe United are pleased to be through to the third round of the Highland Amateur Cup, albeit in "unfortunate" circumstances after Inverness Athletic pulled out.
It is understood that Saturday's Scottish Cup final was a major factor in the Inverness side being unable to raise a team for the trip to Wick, with a number of their players going to see Caley Thistle v Celtic at Hampden.
Staxigoe were awarded a walkover by the tournament organisers.
“We did try to organise different dates but no dates were going to suit," Sinclair explained. "We offered them the Friday night so the boys could still make the cup final, but they weren't keen to travel north on the Friday night.
“We just couldn't compromise on a date that was going to work for both teams. I do feel for them a bit, but at the end of the day the dates are put out well before the season starts – everybody knows the dates.
“Any other date just wasn't feasible. It's unfortunate. We're pleased that it puts us into the third round, because the further you can go in the Highland Amateur the better.
"We're happy enough to get through but it's a pity the way it has worked out. We'd prefer to play and win and go through that way.”
