Golspie Sutherland look to challenge for title as new season set to begin
MANAGER Andrew Banks says Golspie Sutherland are capable of challenging for the North Caledonian League title this season.
The NCL season gets underway on Saturday with Golspie facing a tough task taking on league champions Invergordon at King George V Park at 2pm.
Banks returned as manager of Golspie towards the end of last year as he replaced sacked manager Mark McKernie.
He managed to turn around the club’s fortunes as they finished the campaign in fourth place.
Banks says he is going into this season full of confidence that they can mount a serious title challenge.
He said: “It is one we are looking forward to and a game we are really excited to play in.
“We have strengthened from last season and managed to add a couple more and we are looking to be stronger this year.
“We are just looking to build on what we achieved last season. Hopefully we can challenge for the league, that is the vision for the club. Winning a cup would be good, but the league is the priority I would say.
“We have added a few new decent players to the squad, and our objective is to push Invergordon.”
Golspie Sutherland have added to their squad ahead of the new North Caledonian League campaign.
Liam Bremner, who was named North Caledonian League player of the season in 2022, has returned to Golspie Sutherland to boost their attacking options up front.
Golspie Sutherland have also added James Murray who plays for Pentland United and Ben Sinclair from Wick Groats who both impressed in the Caithness First Division.
However, Murray and Sam Mackay will both be out of action for Golspie tomorrow afternoon as they are playing for Pentland United in the Highland Amateur Cup final against Avoch at Harmsworth Park in Wick.
Golspie Sutherland are also playing in the Scottish Cup again this season and will be taking on West of Scotland Fourth Division outfit Carluke Rovers on Saturday, August 30.
The match will be played at King George V Park and Banks hopes that home advantage can give them the edge. However, he says his focus remains on Invergordon on Saturday and getting off to a good start in the North Caledonian League.
He said: “I went to watch to Carluke earlier this week as I was down that way with work.“
“It is a cup competition and you never know what will happen, but it is a game that we are looking forward to.
“However, we are focussing on Invergordon in the league this weekend and looking to get off to a good start.”
Golspie Sutherland are also scheduled to be playing the North of Scotland Cup on Wednesday.
They are set to face fellow North Caledonian League team Inverness Athletic at King George V Park in Golspie with kick-off scheduled for 8pm.
