Dingwall Academy boys’ football team looking to make their mark in latter stages of Scottish Plate and North of Scotland Cup
Dingwall Academy’s second year boys’ football team face a momentous few days as they compete in the latter stages of multiple competitions.
First up is a Scottish Plate semi final against Perth High School at Cove Rangers’ Balmoral Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Dingwall made it to the final four after entering the Scottish Cup for the first time – beating Millburn Academy 6-1 in the opening round before losing out to Baldragon Academy, who are affiliated with Dundee United, in the second.
That saw Dingwall drop into the Plate competition, where they have excelled. First up was a 5-2 win over Inverurie Academy, backed up by a 7-1 triumph over the Nicolson Institute from Stornoway.
That set up a quarter final against Alva Academy from Alloa, which finished 2-2 before the Highlanders triumphed in a penalty shoot-out.
As well as their national success, Dingwall will also be looking to retain their North of Scotland Cup on Monday evening.
The S2 pupils were dominant on their way to lifting the trophy as first years, and have been similarly formidable this time around.
They have seen off the Nicolson Institute 9-1, Lossiemouth 9-2 and then Tain in the semi final 9-0 to set up a clash with Charleston Academy at the Highland Football Academy on Monday.
“The national cups have been a different kind of pressure, and the boys have really stepped up,” coach Ruari Rogan said.
“I think they have embraced the challenge and managed to kick on to come through that.
“We have very few weaknesses. The whole squad is strong, and everyone is playing at a decent level, so I don’t think there’s really any area where a team can exploit us.
“We’ve got a few really strong leaders in the team, and a really strong spine with a good goalkeeper, really strong centre midfielders, and just a really good team unity.
“There was a game last year where it went to extra time, and we managed to pull it out of the bag.
“The boys just have this ability to dig deep when they have to, and move up another gear when the other team puts them under pressure.”
If Dingwall can complete a North of Scotland back-to-back at the start of the week, it will be the latest in a string of successes for the school.
This team were part of a hat-trick of trophies earned last year, alongside the senior boys’ and senior girls’ teams.
All three sides made it back to their respective finals again in 2024/25, with the senior girls’ again triumphing but the senior boys losing out on a penalty shoot-out.
“If the school can win three one year and two the next, it would be great,” Rogan added.
“The headteacher Mrs Cormack has been so good with supporting us, as have all the teachers to let the boys go to these away days. It shows that the school has all pulled together, and are proud of us.
“There just seems to be so much talent coming through. If three teams can win one year, and two the next, we’re clearly doing something right.
“There really is a strong core year on year, and I think the first years were really unlucky this year too so I would fancy their chances next year.
“The S2s are a good group of boys, their attitude has been fantastic and it has been a real pleasure to take them on this journey. Hopefully they get a few more games, and taste a bit more success ahead.”
