Annicks take pride despite Shetland cup loss

TOUCH DOWN: Stewarton Annick Ladies land at Sumburgh for their Shetland encounter (Image: Stewarton Annick Ladies FC)

Stewarton Annick Ladies manager Kris Wales says their first-ever Scottish Cup trip will “live long in the memory”, despite the long-haul encounter ending in defeat.

The East Ayrshire side went down 3-0 to Shetland Women yesterday, in what was their first ever tie in the national competition, but are taking pride given the circumstances around the fixture.

A total of around £15,000 was required to cover travel costs for the team to attend their match in the Northern Isles, which was originally scheduled for 9 August, with local businesses and partners helping to fund it in the past week.

A LoganAir flight from Glasgow to Sumburgh on Sunday morning was required for the 700-mile round trip to Gilbertson Park, with the return journey being on the same day.

Speaking to club media following the match, Annicks’ boss Wales said: “I thought we played well for large portions of the game and don’t think the score line was a reflection on the game.

“I’ve been involved in coaching for a long time, and I’ve never been involved in anything like that. The hospitality from the minute we stepped off that plane, to arriving at the ground, and after the game has been brilliant from their end.

“I think it’s a true marker of how two clubs can work together to really achieve something special, and I’m hoping that in the future we can make something like this happen regularly because I think we’ve built a good relationship.”

Businesses such as Hamilton Tarmac KennedySmith Press, along with fellow team Ardrossan Ladies, sent good luck messages to the Annicks before they embarked on their journey yesterday.

A double from Freya Leslie and a strike from Roma Robertson were enough to see Shetland through the tie, and they will now meet Aberdeen West End in the second preliminary round.

Stewarton Annick Ladies’ next scheduled game is on 27 September, where the will travel to face Benburb Women at New Tinto Park in the SWFL South.