Ryan McRitchie Celebrates Cup Triumph as Huntly Prepares for Shield Clash

In a thrilling display of resilience, Forres Mechanics clinched the North of Scotland Cup, overcoming a two-goal deficit to defeat Clachnacuddin 3-2 at Nairn’s Station Park on Saturday. This victory marks the third time that defender Ryan McRitchie has secured this title, having previously won it with Rothes in 2021 and Brora Rangers last year.

McRitchie, who has returned to Forres for a second spell after a brief stint at Brora, expressed his joy at the triumph. The 26-year-old stated, “I’ve been at a few clubs over the years, but I’ve felt most comfortable here at Forres; it feels like home.” His pivotal role in the final included scoring the equalizer, demonstrating his knack for delivering in crucial moments.

Reflecting on a Memorable Final

The match showcased a remarkable turnaround for Forres, who trailed 2-0 before mounting a comeback. McRitchie noted the team’s character, saying, “Sometimes in the past we’ve conceded goals and we’ve folded, but we showed a lot of character in what was a huge game for us.” He attributed the success to the strong bond within the squad and hopes this victory can be a catalyst for improved league performance.

McRitchie’s scoring prowess in finals is notable; he previously netted the winner for Rothes in the same competition four years ago. Reflecting on his goal against Clach, he remarked, “There was a bit of luck with Mark Ridgers dropping it, but I anticipated it and managed to get there to score which was really pleasing.”

Additionally, McRitchie expressed gratitude towards his manager, Steven MacDonald, with whom he has a strong rapport. “I would almost class the manager as a mate, although he is the manager and I have that respect for him,” McRitchie said, emphasizing the positive environment MacDonald fosters within the team.

Huntly Aims for Upset Against Aberdeen

As the cup celebrations continue, attention turns to Huntly, who are set to face Aberdeen in the first round of the Morrison Motors Aberdeenshire Shield on Tuesday night at Christie Park. Manager Colin Charlesworth has urged his players to remain optimistic despite a challenging run of form, with only one win in their last nine matches across all competitions.

Charlesworth remains hopeful that a victory over a full-time side like Aberdeen could spark a resurgence for his team. He stated, “In terms of our levels of performance, we’re not far away, but it’s about turning performances into results.” He is focused on maintaining the basics while instilling confidence in his players.

Looking ahead to the match, Charlesworth acknowledged the strength of Aberdeen’s squad, noting their fitness and skill level. He indicated, “There’s an element of unknown in terms of what first-team players may or may not be involved, but we know we’ll face a well-drilled, good quality team.”

Despite the daunting challenge, Charlesworth has encouraged his team to aim for history. “There’s a long way to go, but I think for this group of players it’s a nice thing to aim for to try to be the first Huntly squad to win the Shield,” he said, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the immediate task at hand.

With both teams preparing for significant matches, the upcoming fixtures promise excitement and the potential for memorable moments in Scotland’s football landscape.