Avoch looking to be in seventh heaven in Highland Amateur Cup final
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AVOCH will look to win the Highland Amateur Cup for the first time in six years when they take on Wick Groats in the final on Saturday.
The Ross-shire outfit will face the Caithness First Division champions at Harmsworth Park, home of Wick Academy, looking to win the trophy for the seventh time in their history.
Avoch are the second most successful team in the history of the competition with six victories, with only Dunnet outfit Pentland United winning the competition more times with eight triumphs.
Avoch and Wick Groats have been the two most dominant teams in the Highland Amateur Cup in the last decade. In the last 10 tournaments, the clubs have won the trophy eight times between them.
Avoch manager Martyn MacAllister says they are expecting a hostile atmosphere when they travel to Wick for the final on Saturday.
But he believes that his team have enough quality to bring the trophy back to Coronation Park.
“We have managed to get through a tough few rounds until the semi final when we beat Clachnacuddin 7-0 where I think experience told,” he said.
“But we always have tight encounters when we play against Wick Groats.
“We are going to go up there and give it everything that we have got.”
Wick Groats have lost a few players that they had for years, but they have brought in a lot of good young players.
“Their manager Kevin Anderson has done a great job to manage the turnover of the squad so well.
"In finals between us, they have won two cups and we have won once, I hope that we can make it 2-2 on Saturday. The Highland Amateur Cup final is a great occasion and it is even better if you win.”
Avoch will be missing Graham Stewart and Ryan Dryburgh through injury with John Gillies on shinty duty with Skye. A full supporters bus is travelling from Avoch to Wick for the final with kick-off at 2.30pm.
