Lochbroom player-boss Ben Bruce says semi-final opportunity ‘means a lot more’ after decision to only enter cups
Lochbroom manager Ben Bruce says his side are relishing the chance to compete in this weekend's Stafford Cup semi-final at home to Helmsdale United – despite sitting out league action this season.
The player-boss of the Ullapool side believes that opting to focus solely on cup competitions has made matches like this all the more significant.
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"We are delighted to be looking forward to a semi-final of a cup,” he said. “Only entering the cups this year, these games mean a lot more to us.
“The onus is on us to keep winning to keep our season going. If we win, it means we have more to look forward to."
Lochbroom reached the semi-final stage after dishing out an unforgiving 19-0 drubbing to new boys Dornoch in the quarter-finals last month.
While the game offered little in the way of a competitive test, Bruce says the game served as an opportunity for his team to put “minutes in the legs”.
Bruce said: "The quarter final was a good chance for the guys to get minutes in the legs and shake off a bit of rustiness.
“Thankfully we have a small handful of guys that have been playing in the North Caledonian League which gives us a bit of a boost."
Bruce is under no illusions about the challenge Helmsdale will pose, with past meetings often tightly contested.
He added: "We are well aware of the danger that Helmsdale bring. Josh Booth, and Colin Macrae before him, always have their boys well drilled and organised.
“The games between us are usually tight with them usually having the edge over us.
"But we are definitely stronger at home, so I'm looking to see what our young team can produce."
Other than the Stafford Cup, Lochbroom’s only other competitive games this summer, at present, will be in the Highland Amateur Cup – with an away trip to Halkirk scheduled for May 10 in the first round.
Reflecting on the decision not to enter the North-West Sutherland amateur league this term, Bruce admits seeds of doubt may remain, but he insists it was the right call.
"There is always going to be a ‘what if’ feeling about this season, especially if we continue to do well in the cups.
“There’s maybe a bit of regret. However, we would have really struggled to fulfil every fixture this season.
“Last year, we used 42 players over 15 games. From that group we have lost about 10-15 guys.
"The worst part is letting the younger guys down. At times it's a thankless task for those that run football teams.
“I have the greatest respect for all those that are either running a team or involved with a club behind the scenes."
Kick-off for the semi-final clash at Ullapool High School is scheduled for Saturday at 1pm.
