VIDEO: Aberdeenshire Cup final penalty shoot-out agony for Buckie Thistle manager Graeme Stewart as Inverurie Locos win the trophy and Jags are left to prepare for Saturday’s League 2 play-off trip to East Kilbride
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Buckie Thistle manager Graeme Stewart felt Tuesday night’s Aberdeenshire Cup final defeat to Inverurie Locos was harsh on his hard-working squad.
Video interview with Locos boss Dean Donaldson.
Aberdeenshire Cup final match report.
Locos won 7-6 on penalties after a marathon shoot-out following a goalless 90 minutes at Kynoch Park.
Captain Sam Pugh saw Jags’ ninth penalty saved by Locos keeper Zack Ellis and Mark Souter stepped up to win it for the Harlaw Park men.
Speaking after the match - see video interview below - Stewart praised his men for their tireless efforts in what was their seventh match in just over two weeks.
Having won the previous six to clinch the Highland League title on Saturday for the first time in seven years, Buckie had to go again in the final and had the lion’s share of chances in a tense tie.
Stewart spoke about the missed opportunities and his admiration for his players’ energy levels in spite of a gruelling schedule.
He said his attention will turn to Jags’ next opponents, Lowland League champions East Kilbride who they face on Saturday at the K Park in the first leg of the League 2 play-off semi-finals.
Stewart says he knows nothing yet on his opponents but will do some homework this week and come up with a plan to try and push Buckie into the final.
The winners will play the bottom side in League 2 - Clyde, Stranraer and Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic are all battling to avoid last place - over two legs for a place in Scottish football’s fourth tier next season.
