Buckie Thistle's top goalscorer Sam Urquhart says he should have more than 16 goals this season and wants to improve his performances to push Jags closer to Highland League silverware on three fronts
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SAM Urquhart may be leading Buckie Thistle’s purge for silverware, but the self-critical midfielder believes there should be more to come from him this season.
Most Highland League strikers would be thrilled to score 16 times by the end of November, never mind from the middle of the park like Urquhart has.
The 30-year-old former Clach, Elgin City and Nairn County player has been at the forefront of Jags’ challenge for three trophies, and there has seldom been a game when he hasn’t been on the scoresheet.
Read more: Buckie footballer Urquhart runs a marathon during lockdown.
Yet Urquhart considers his tally to be a low return for the chances he’s had and feels his performances could also be improved.
“I’m not playing anywhere near as well as I would like to be,” he said. “Yes I am happy with 16 so far, but I should probably have at least double with the chances I have missed,” he said.
Urquhart’s best scoring season in Highland League football came in Buckie’s title-winning campaign in 2016-17.
He was part of an incredible Jags strike trio alongside John McLeod and Chris Angus who collectively scored more than 100 goals to help their team to a league and Aberdeenshire Cup double that year.
“I think it was 28 or 29 I managed the year we won the league and would love to score close to that amount (again).
“But as long as the team wins along with myself contributing positively to the team then I am happy.”
Urquhart puts his notable goal total down to the chances created by his Buckie team-mates.
“I have been playing my usual left midfield, and to be honest people like Kev Fraser and Andy Macaskill just putting them on a plate for me really is how my success in front of goal has happened so far.”
Buckie’s League Cup quarter-final at home to Inverurie Locos on Saturday was postponed due to a waterlogged Victoria Park, with a new date yet to be confirmed.
Jags will host Turriff United in the league on Saturday, having been knocked out of second spot by Brora Rangers’ win against Huntly at the weekend.
Graeme Stewart’s side still have an Aberdeenshire Shield semi-final against Banks o’ Dee on tomorrow night – weather permitting – and Urquhart hopes Buckie can continue their challenge for silverware.
“I always feel we can win something with the players we have and we are confident,” he said.
“But there are other strong teams that will think the same, so we will need to be at the top of our game along with as little as possible injuries to be in with a chance.”
