Midfielder says reaching cup final is important to Sutherland Women
Franci Hutchison says Sutherland Women reaching the final of the Highlands and Islands League Cup is exciting and important to the club.
Sutherland defeated Caithness 1-0 in the semi final in Castletown thanks to a goal from Katie Grant to book their place in the final against holders Buckie who defeated Orkney 4-0.
The final is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 21 at a venue to be confirmed.
It is the third time in four years Sutherland have reached the final, winning it in 2021 when they defeated Clachnacuddin 3-2 before losing in a penalty shoot-out to Buckie in 2022.
Midfielder Hutchison says reaching the final again is something the club are extremely proud of and are confident that they can lift the trophy next month.
“It is exciting as well as being important for everyone,” said Hutchison.
“It is a good motivator for the club because we were doing well in the league, but have dropped off a bit. So this has given us a good boost.
“We are confident in the squad that we have this year and we have gained a lot with new recruits.
“We beat Buckie 1-0 in our first game this season, so if we can get that into our heads we can beat them, there is nothing to stop us.”
Sutherland Women were established in 2020 and since entering the Highlands and Islands League have been among the top teams in the division.
Hutchison says their success has been down to being open to adapting their game, but also having a friendly atmosphere in the team.
She says: “It means a huge deal, it is a big community thing for us.
“Even in our away games, people come up to Orkney to watch us and in the semi final at Castletown on Sunday we had a good crowd there.
“Some people may say it is only football, but for us it means friendship and a good support network in the team.
“I think having a good mindset of always recruiting new players and being welcoming has led to our success. We have a good coaching network who spend hours on the squad and focus on individual players too. That has been helpful for the club.
“We have our core players every year that keeps the skeleton of the team, but we are always willing to adapt which keeps the other teams on their toes.”
Sutherland return to Highlands and Islands League action when they face Orkney at Helmsdale on Sunday at 1pm where Hutchison says they are looking to continue their good form.
She said: “We have a good squad for this weekend and being a home game are hopeful we will have a good crowd.”