Culbokie closing in on Inverness and District Amateur Second Division title after shock Association Cup triumph over Avoch
After causing one of the biggest cup upsets of the summer, Culbokie manager Sean Kelman hopes their unexpected win against Avoch can propel his side to a league title.
The Inverness and District Football Association Second Division outfit punched above their weight to defeat the Premier Division champions last weekend.
Kelman said: “We tried to make the pitch as small as possible when defending and it worked.
“Every single player worked tremendously hard, we fought really hard, I can’t speak highly enough of the performance – it’s one of the best I’ve been involved with in amateur football.
“No one expected us to compete with them, never mind beat them.
“It was easy to write us off because of the leagues difference between us, but we were just excellent and got what we deserved.”
Former Buckie Thistle hitman John McLeod netted the only goal deep into the affair, sending Culbokie to the semi final of the IDFA Association Cup to face another Premier Division side in Inverness Athletic.
Kelman continued: “Avoch going and comfortably winning the Premier (Division) shows just how good they are and puts more perspective onto the result.
“I feel like that result makes up for a couple of performances we weren’t happy with, losing the cup final but moreso the Highland Amateur Cup game against Black Rock.
“We conceded seven that day and I always knew we were far better than that.”
Kelman’s side followed up on their cup success with another rousing victory in the league, winning 8-0 against Glenurquhart – a match in which McLeod netted another four goals to take him to the top of the league scoring charts on 17.
He said: “John has made such an impact at the top end of the park for us, the number of goals he has scored is unbelievable.
“His leadership and all-round play that has been just as good – he played as a lone striker in Avoch doing the dirty work and took his chance when it came – and it was some goal too!”
The Black Isle side now need just one point to secure the IDFA Second Division title and could do so on Wednesday evening when they face fellow league challengers Kirkhill.
A positive result would mean Culbokie win their first piece of silverware since returning to the amateur league set up in 2019.
“Hopefully it can spur us on to go all the way,” Kelman added.
“We beat Slackbuie before the Avoch game scoring eight, and getting another eight against Glenurquhart has set us up well to go and do it.
“Hopefully the momentum can continue away to Kirkhill next week and manage to get over the line.”
