New Ross County boss Tony Docherty watches as Clachnacuddin stun Staggies to reach North of Scotland Cup final

Clachnacuddin reached the North of Scotland Cup final after a 2-1 semi-final victory against Ross County at Grant Street Park.

Ex-Dundee boss Tony Docherty was confirmed as the County boss on Wednesday morning and he took his place in the stand to watch the action.

First-teamers such as Jordan White, Jamie Lindsay, Adam Emslie, Nicky Clark and Gary Mackay-Steven were amongst the starters in a team with younger players Lewis Mackay and Conner Dyce also lining up from kick-off.

John Robertson, who has been interim boss since Don Cowie left his post at the Championship club 10 days ago, took the team for this showdown in Merkinch.

Conor Gethins had a string of first picks sidelined, but those who were asked to do their jobs, stuck to their tasks.

Rorie Macleod’s penalty gave the home side a deserved lead at the break, with County goalkeeper Brad Foster shutting them out with a fine showing.

Troy Cooper doubled the scoreline just after the break, as the Inverness team cashed in on a mistake.

Arron Lyall brought County back into the tie with a goal midway through the second half but they couldn’t find another to earn a penalty shoot-out.

Can-Cans await Clach in cup final

Highland League rivals Forres Mechanics will be Clach’s opponents in the final on October 18 or 19 at a venue to be confirmed.

The Can-Cans defeated League One opponents Caley Thistle 2-1 in Tuesday’s semi-final, to reach their final cup final in 14 years.

No club has won this competition more than the Lilywhites, having been victors 22 times, but not since 2001/2002.

Having not won a trophy since 2014, the Inverness team have their eyes on prizes this season and have begun their Highland League campaign strongly, sitting fourth, just four points behind leaders and defending champions Brora Rangers.

Clach lost last year’s final of the North Cup, 6-1 against Brora, but they beat the Cattachs on penalties in their recent quarter-final.

Six-times cup winners Ross County, who last lifted the silverware, in 2018-19, booked their last four spot thanks to a 3-0 victory at Wick Academy.

Foster finally beaten – from the spot

After an early shot from ex-Aberdeen winger Emslie was saved by Clach keeper Mark Ridgers, it was the Highland League side who took control.

Allan MacPhee flashed an effort wide before Foster had to earn his worth with two notable saves.

He superbly touched a James Anderson shot around the post before superbly denying Greg Morrison, whose low drive looked net-bound.

Home captain Harry Nicolson then saw his shot deflected wide as Clach continued tor press.

The opener came eight minutes before the break when Dyce tripped Cooper in the box and referee Robert Mackinnon pointed to the spot.

Up stepped Macleod and he crashed his penalty beyond Foster, who was finally beaten.

Quick thinking led to second goal

Clach made a dream start to the second half when they doubled their advantage.

A slip-up in defence allowed Macrae to win possession and he slid in Cooper, who slotted past Foster.

And the Lilywhites almost made it three moments later when Cooper lashed a long-ranger off the post.

On 67 minutes, County – aided by lively subs like Joe Coyle and Torran Lambie – found their way back into the tie as ex-Morton man Lyall guided a low shot into the net after a slick build-up.

The visitors got a lift for a spell, but the nearest to another goal was Anderson slicing a drive off target from a Cooper cross.

At full-time, there was plenty to celebrate for the hosts as they look forward to clashing with the Can-Cans for the silverware.

Delight for winning manager Gethins

Gethins, a former Ross County forward, praised his patched-up team who got the job done without sidelined players Kuba Leszczynski, Josh Meekings, Ben Cormack, Jack Davison, Craig Lawrie, Jacob Kerr as well as ineligible County attacker Copeland Thain.

He said: “We had seven mainly starters out, yet truth be told we should have won by seven or eight.

“Their keeper had three saves within the space of a minute in the first half. In the second half, poor finishing let us down.

“It gave Ross County a bit of hope and their kids when they came on injected a bit of life and pace into the game, but we were not under huge threats.

“Greg Morrison has been a rock at centre half, he was a nine out of 10 tonight.

“Andy Macrae is playing with a cracked rib. He’s been struggling for a week-and-a-half.

“I’ve probably four boys playing through injuries – Andy, Troy Cooper, Harry Nicolson and Greg (Morrison). They played with niggles to help put us in the final.

“A special mention also to Harry Bray, who showed an amazing attitude. He was working this morning on Stornoway, but jumped on the ferry in the afternoon, drove here tonight and is back on the freight ferry tonight. He was superb.

“Scott Davidson’s another who came back early from work. He came on and was excellent at keeping the ball in the channels.

“That’s what we’re all about. Hats off to these guys.”

Gethins impressed by Can-Cans

And with a chance to win a trophy, Gethins added: “Last year, we were not ready for a final, but we are this year.

“But I watched Caley Thistle lose to Forres on Tuesday and Forres’ work-rate was excellent.

“They showed some great clinical finishing when they had their chances. They deserve to be in the final.

“They played a more counter-attacking style, whereas we really went at Ross County tonight. I don’t think they expected it.”

Docherty debuts in Arbroath match

Robertson was lined up to take the Ross County team for their home Championship match against Arbroath, but he confirmed Tony Docherty will make his Dingwall bow for it.

And he confirmed that he is ready to assist the new man going forward.

He said: “It’s fantastic news for the club that Tony has been given the job – it’s a brilliant appointment. He’s a really experienced manager.

“He kept Dundee in the Premiership last season and it was a surprising decision by Dundee (to dismiss him at the end of the season). For us to get Tony is incredible.

“He wants to come right into it, which is perfect.

“I was preparing for the game on Saturday, but I wasn’t aware when I spoke to the press on Tuesday lunchtime how quickly things were moving.

“The board have appointed a superb manager with a great track record.

“Tony will be in charge on Saturday, which is fantastic, and I will be there to help him.

“We will talk about last week’s game (2-2 draw at Dunfermline) and the squad that we have worked on all week then he will take it on.

“He says he wants me to stay and the board are keen for me to stay. We will work at it now. It’s as simple as that.

“I’m not going to rest on my laurels and I’ll continue to work really hard with commitment and passion, like I always do, and be there to help Tony make this club a success.”

Robertson – Clach deserved to win

On the tie’s outcome tonight, he had no complaints.

He added: “Defensively, we had big Dylan Smith away (on Scotland under-21 duty) and we had a right-back playing centre back and a left-winger playing left-back and a midfielder playing right-back.

“Young Conner made a couple of mistakes, but that happens and he should hold his head up high. I loved how he didn’t hide. He’s only 16 and he didn’t crumble. He had a real battle with the striker, which was brilliant to see.

“I really have to mainly compliment our young players, who stuck to their guns.

“But listen, the best team won and Clach deserved to go through. I wish them all the best in the final. Conor Gethins plays the game the right way.”

[Source: Press and Journal]