Inverness rivals are ready for derby day as Athletic take on Loch Ness for the first time
INVERNESS Athletic manager Jason Golabek is relishing taking on Loch Ness in the first Inverness derby of the North Caledonian League season.
Athletic will play host to the league leaders at their new home at Pavilion Park in Muir of Ord tomorrow afternoon.
Golabek says his team are probably underdogs going into the match against Loch Ness who have scored 14 goals in their first two games.
But after an impressive 4–0 win at Scourie last week, Golabek says his team are capable of a positive result.
“Its an exciting day for two Inverness teams facing each other for the first time,” he said.
“It is building up to be a great day and we are looking to get a good result.
“I would say we are underdogs if you are looking at Loch Ness’s first two games as they have scored 14 goals.
“But we know a lot of their players who have been at Inverness Athletic before.
“I have worked with their manager Shane Carling previously and he is a good friend.
“I know what to expect whatever team he picks on Saturday.
“It will be a tough game and we are expecting a hard afternoon, but we will do our best.”
Athletic lost their opening match of the season against Nairn County A 3–1.
But an impressive performance in North Sutherland pleased Golabek that players improved and showed the ability they have.
“I got the reaction I wanted from the boys after the defeat against Nairn,” he said.
“We scored four goals but it could have been seven or eight with the chances we missed.
“They should have a spring in their step on Saturday and if you can’t get up for a derby, you shouldn’t be playing football. I expect my players to have a bit of fire in their belly this weekend.”
Despite expecting his team to show passion on the pitch tomorrow, Golabek says he has kept his players calm and collected in training and they are focused on the task in hand.
“I have let them get on with it and not talked too much about the derby,” he said. “I would rather keep their minds focused on what we have to do and prepare for the game in the right way.”
Inverness Athletic will be without Ryan Keil who is suffering from a groin injury.
Ross Munro is also injured as he continues to recover from bruised ribs but Golabek should have everybody else available.