Buckie Thistle face giant task in cup
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LEWIS McKinnon heads off to Stranraer hoping that Buckie Thistle can pull off a Scottish Cup shock.
He has the task of marshalling a defence that faces a giant of a task, literally.
Manager Graeme Stewart watched Stranraer at Peterhead last week and saw they were a “very tall side”, which means the Jags will have their work cut out at corners, crosses and set-pieces.
That gives his player/assistant McKinnon a huge responsibility in marshalling the defence to keep the League One side at bay.
“Scottish Cup games are great for players and for clubs,” McKinnon said. “I remember playing at First Division Morton, and it’s important going into these games thinking you have a chance of pulling off a result.
“Our form has been a bit up and down this season but I am confident we can do well.”
The central defender, just getting back to match fitness, shouldn’t be lacking in confidence after a man of the match performance in beating Keith 4-1 last Saturday.
It included a goal that will rank among the best in the Highland League this season.
Shaun Carrol directed a corner at McKinnon standing 20 yards out, and he showed great technique in volleying a screamer first time into the net. “It’s something we practise in training and Shaun hit a great ball.”
A second goal to put Buckie back in front in the second half wasn’t so spectacular; in fact, it was a tap-in after Keith keeper Daniel Bell only parried a Jay Cheyne drive.
“I was in the right place at the right time,” said McKinnon.
He would love to net in the cup but his main thoughts will be on cutting the Stranraer giants down to size and stopping them scoring.
More about Buckie Thistle in today’s Scot.
