Locos aim to raise game for new cup challenge

Inverurie Locos manager Neil Cooper hopes his players can do themselves justice in next season’s IRNBRU Cup after securing a top-four finish in the Highland League.

The best four teams go into the north section of the first-round draw, where they will come up against under-20s sides or opposition from the Championship, League 1 and League 2.

Locos are 11 points clear of fifth-placed Forres heading into their final game of the season today at Wick Academy, with the CanCans only having three games remaining. Wednesday’s 2-1 win at home to Brora Rangers cemented their place.

Since Highland League sides were invited to take part in the competition two years ago, four sides have

“Brings prestige and games against better opponents”

progressed beyond the first round.

Brora Rangers and Cove Rangers did so last season, while Buckie Thistle and Cove managed it this season. Cove made it as far as the third round this year, before going out to semifinalists Crusaders.

It will be Locos’ first appearance in the competition and Cooper is confident the Harlaw Park outfit will acquit themselves well.

Cooper said: “It was our goal to finish in the top four and we can maybe finish higher.

“There are good teams there, like Brora, Forres, Fraserburgh and Formartine, and with Cove already securing their place, it’s three out of five.

“It brings prestige and games against better opponents at the start of the season, teams that are playing at a higher level. Hopefully, we can do ourselves justice and I’m sure the players will do that.

“The players have put in an enormous effort this year in training and games; I’m delighted for the coaching staff, the chairman and supporters as well.”