The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
First final as Highland League club the dream for Strathspey Thistle
Captain James McShane is daring to dream as Strathspey Thistle attempt to reach their first cup final since joining the Breedon Highland League.
Rothes are the opponents at Seafield Park tonight in the semifinal of the North of Scotland Cup.
Since being elected to the Highland League in 2009, the Grantown Jags have never reached a final, but Charlie Brown’s side are now just 90 minutes away.
Skipper McShane expects a difficult encounter against Rothes, who are unbeaten so far this term, but says reaching a final would a big step forward for Strathspey.
The 27-year-old midfielder said: “It would be massive to get to a cup final and it would be a big step forward for the club to reach that first cup final.
“It’s a one-off game so who knows what happens, but it will be a tough game because they’re a quality side.
“If we turn up and Rothes have a bit of an off-night we could go through.”
Last year Rothes won silverware for the first time since 1979 when they claimed the Highland League Cup.
Goalkeeper Sean McCarthy says the Speysiders are determined to have more success after ending the long wait to take a trophy back to Mackessack Park.
The 28-year-old said: “It will be a tough game. Strathspey will be happy to be in the semi-final, as we are, both teams have got nothing to lose really.
“Winning the Highland League Cup has whetted everyone’s appetite. “You could see what it meant to everyone connected with the club when we won the Highland League Cup.
“We’ve had that taste of success and we want to experience it again.”