Buckie look to upset the balance against Inverness

Buckie boss Graeme Stewart has a 'glass-half-full' approach to their upcoming Scottish Cup tie with Inverness CT. Despite the on-going (and continued) upheaval caused by the pandemic, he believes that at least the Highland League hiatus has allowed the Jags to solely focus on this Scottish Cup match.

However there is no doubt in the challenge ahead, but the manager believes all the groundwork has been done within the Buckie ranks.

Speaking to MFR News, Graeme said; "We're still facing a team that's three divisions above us who are full-time, they're a top quality team"

"We know it'll still be a massive ask for us to get a result, but we've put in the preparation, and we've been working on it since the draw was made"

"We have a gameplan, and if we stick to that - Buckie have a good day, and Inverness have an off-day - then I believe we've a chance of getting a result"

On Saturday Buckie Thistle hosted Brora Rangers in a friendly, but lost 3-1 to the Highland League leaders.

The Cattachs themselves also have a cup match against Championship leaders Hearts.

Despite the Jags defeat Graeme isn't entirely downbeat; "I was happy with the shape - and I'm not saying it was a good thing - but the goals came from individual mistakes"

"We still caused a threat going forward, but all three goals could've been avoided, so we're hoping we've got that out ahead of the next game"

Buckie's last HFL action was a 5-1 success at Rothes, but their last competitive match was also the last time they were on Scottish Cup duty, as they won 3-0 at League 2 strugglers Albion Rovers. Among the goals in challenging conditions in Coatbridge, Andy MacAskill saw a swirling corner go straight in.

It perhaps seems a long time since those celebrations, but the manager believes the Scottish Cup is still a key part of their somewhat disjointed season.

"It's easy to keep everyone focused. We've a great team spirit at Buckie. The guys are all friends off the park, we've got a WhatsApp group, we've done fitness challenges, we've done quizzes"

"But that said, the players are semi-professional, they've come back in great shape and that's testimony to their hard-work during the downtime"

Sadly when the tie was drawn, many fans would've been eager to take in this match. Without the pandemic, Graeme feels this would've arguably been a stand out in the Second Round.

"It's a massive shame. We've got the biggest support in the Highland League and I'm sure we could've got 2,000 - 3000 at the game"

"It would've been amazing, great for the town and for finances, and the players would've loved that"

"It's disappointing, but fans will still be able to watch the streams online, so there might be some financial benefit which - for a club our size - would be huge"

Beyond the Scottish Cup, the future for this season's HFL is less certain for Buckie and the other clubs involved in this phase.

Graeme said; "Personally what I would do is go back when we can go back, say April or May, and play the season straight through quickly and then go right into the next season"

"Let's face it, no players like a pre-season, so that would be cut - you're playing a bit of Summer football - so if they're allowed, the crowds might be bigger"

"However, seeing how things are going, it looks unlikely. The season may just be over and then we'll start again next term in August"

Also in Second Round action, Brora Rangers host Hearts, Nairn County play Montrose, and Keith also welcome League 1 opponents in Clyde.

The winners of that tie at Kynoch Park will face whoever comes through the fixture at Borough Briggs as Elgin City host Ayr United.

The Black & Whites looked out-of-sorts on Saturday in their League 2 fixtures against Edinburgh City when they conceded twice inside the opening 15 minutes.

Despite rallying Gavin Price's men eventually lost 2-1 on their return to domestic action.