Defeat dashes second place dreams for Buckie Ladies
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BUCKIE Ladies' dreams of claiming a second place finish in the Highlands and Islands League were dashed after their second defeat on the bounce.
A victory against visitors Caithness on Sunday, along with results going their way elsewhere, could have landed the Merson Park side a record high finish, but four quick goals by Caithness within the first 20 minutes proved to be too high a mountain to climb.
Buckie came out fighting in the second half and pulled two back through Alena Gardiner (pictured) and Kathryn Evans, but wastefulness in front of goal was to cost the hosts dear.
However, Buckie have finished a creditable fourth and while disappointed at the way the season finished, team manager Mel Smith was nevertheless proud of the squad's finish, noting that only a few years ago they were regularly on the wrong end of double digit hammerings.
"Our biggest problem was we didn't take our chances and Caithness took theirs, that's what the game's about," she said.
"In the first half we team's shape was wrong and we sorted that at half time.
"We were a far better side in the second half but again we couldn't take our chances.
"We were motoring when we got our second goal but only had 10 minutes left.
"I'm disappointed for the quines that our season has ended like this but on the other hand I'm proud of the amazing progress we've made this season. It's not that long ago we were suffering heavy defeats week in, week out and this season at one point we were challenging for the league.
"We're going to take two weeks off and then look at how we can come back better and stronger when the league restarts in March."
Player of the match was centre half Kat Buckle.
The Caithness game also two long-serving Buckie players – Laura Duncan and Deborah Main –hang up their boots.
Smith added: "I'd like to thank Laura and Deborah for all they have done for the club.
"They will be a big miss for the club."
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