Embo coach asks for ‘more of the same’ ahead of Stafford Cup clash with Helmsdale
Embo assistant boss Leigh Mcaffer is calling for “more of the same” from his side as they travel to Helmsdale on Stafford Cup duty this Saturday.
Last weekend’s Highland Amateur Cup preliminary round clash between the sides at Embo offered a solid gauge of progress, Mcaffer says – with plenty to build on.
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“Preparation for the game this week will be exactly the same as it has been for the last few weeks,” he explains.
“Last weekend’s game served overall as a good test for us to gauge where we are and where we need to get to.
“It’s not the result we hoped for, but there were several intriguing moments in the match that could have swung the result our way, and overall lots of positives to build from.
“Both teams will have a better understanding of each other this weekend, but Embo will go into the game with the same mindset, belief and approach as last week.”
Mcaffer believes Embo’s blend of youth and experience is already beginning to click—and that consistency in preparation will be key.
“Helmsdale have been positively embracing the next generation,” he said. “And our ethos this year is very similar.
“Last season was our first back in the league since Covid, and we had to dust off and wheel out lots of players from retirement to get a squad together.
“The guys did as well as they could but it quickly became apparent football is definitely a young man’s game when the injuries mounted up. The recovery time was pretty brutal and the squad suffered as consequence.”
Mcaffer, who also volunteers his time as a first aider and coaching assistant with St Duthus under-16s during the winter months, believes Embo can help to “fill the gap” for teenage players looking to enjoy their first taste of adult football during the summer.
He added: “There is a football gap for this age group when the league stops from April until August, so it makes sense to create opportunities for the next generation, from under-16 / under-18 ranks to get involved with summer league football in between seasons.
“Summer football has a varied mix of player from ex-Highland League right down to high school age players, so its a good opportunity for younger players to be involved with a varied mix of football ability too.
“As a minimum, its a chance for the younger guys to at least come along and be part of the training.
“We have been very impressed with the number of younger players turning up midweek, so hopefully we can continue to create that opportunity for all to be involved and for the long term.”
Mcaffer will be hoping for a turnaround of his side’s 2-1 loss at home to Helmsdale United last weekend in the Highland Amateur Cup.
The sides drew a blank during the first half before Defender Duncan Davidson opened the scoring midway through the second period for United.
A free kick from Ross McDermid drew Embo level, but a goal from 15-year-old Lennon Booth late in the half secured victory for Helmsdale.
Six teams will be in action as North-West Sutherland AFA teams return to Stafford Cup action this Saturday.
Fixtures and kick-off times are as follows:
Melvich v Golspie Stafford (3pm)
Helmsdale United v Embo (2pm)
Tain Thistle v Lochinver (2.30pm)
Pulling their quarter-final tie forward by a week, Lochbroom have already booked their place in the semi-final of the competition with an incredible 19-0 win over new boys Dornoch at the Meadows.
Scoring an incredible seven goals, Kyle Mackenzie stole the show for the Ullapool side, with hat-tricks from Ben Bruce and Venca Jaros adding to the tally.
Rheo Elliot, Toby Stewart, Kaden Irvine, Seumas Charity, Calvin Butrym and an own goal completed the rout.