Children at Cluny and Millbank primary schools meet Buckie Thistle midfielder Marcus Goodall ahead of Scottish Cup clash with Celtic
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KIDS at two local primary schools grabbed the chance to meet one of their Buckie Thistle heroes of the team's historic Scottish Cup clash with Celtic.
Midfielder Marcus Goodall, a former Cluny pupil, visited the school he left a decade ago on Tuesday morning before paying a visit to Millbank Primary School.
He shared some hints and tips with children before running through passing and dribbling exercises and playing a small-sided game. The sessions were rounded off by a Q&A with the kids.
Marcus said: "It was unreal. You can see the excitement of the kids. I went to Cluny myself so going back there was an experience. I haven't been there for 10 years, since I left in 2014, so it was good to go back.
"Then coming to Millbank – I have got the fever for the cup even more now.
"There are a lot of keen footballers and it's a good thing for Buckie. There are a lot of good players that will hopefully play for Buckie in the years to come."
One young man attending the sessions was Cluny P6C pupil Harris Munro. He said: "I'm really, really excited about the game.
"I was really excited when I heard Buckie Thistle were playing Celtic, I was jumping about my house.
"I'm going down to the game with my friends on the [Buckie Football Development] bus – the thing I'm most looking forward to is Buckie scoring a goal!"
Youngsters at Millbank Primary, Jorja Petrie and Annan Milne, both predicted a win for the Jags.
Annan said: "I really enjoyed the session. Buckie Thistle is not the biggest football team, but I still think they have a chance if they just try their best!"
The sessions were warmly welcomed by both Cluny acting depute headteacher Diane Anderson and Millbank headteacher Kirsty Moneagle.
Ms Anderson said: "It was really nice of Marcus to come down and work with the pupils, they really enjoyed it.
"I remember Marcus well, I taught him during his early years at Cluny, he was a good pupil.
"A lot of the kids are going to the match and they've been really excited. Marcus coming to school has brought the match home for them and they'll be able to say they've met someone famous, too!"
Ms Moneagle added: "It is so good of Marcus to come in and work with the kids.
"It's such a big thing for the town and the club and everybody wants to get behind the team. It's been like having a real Buckie celebrity at Millbank."
