Key Highlights
- Buckie Thistle to play their first-ever televised match against Formartine United in the Scottish Cup.
- The game will be a historic moment as it is the first live broadcast of a match between two Highland League clubs on national TV.
- Buckie Thistle manager Lewis Mackinnon emphasizes the importance of the match, despite being underdogs.
- Both teams have already defeated fellow north sides in the competition, with Buckie’s victory at Huntly and Formartine’s win over Lossiemouth.
The Significance of the Match
The match between Buckie Thistle and Formartine United on Friday is set to make history. It marks the first time two Highland League clubs will be featured in a live broadcast on national television, specifically by BBC Scotland. This event is significant not only for the players involved but also for football fans across Scotland who have long awaited such an opportunity.
According to manager Lewis Mackinnon, “It’s good for the boys to get to showcase themselves on TV as it doesn’t happen very often.”
Buckie Thistle has a rich history of televised matches in the Scottish Cup. Their encounter with Bonnyrigg Rose in 2019 was one of those chosen for national television coverage, and their visit to Celtic Park in 2024 drew substantial attention both on screen and in person.
Preparation and Expectations
Despite the excitement surrounding this match, Mackinnon remains grounded. He acknowledges that his team will be underdogs against Formartine United at North Lodge Park. “We’re going down as underdogs in my opinion,” he stated. “We’re away from home and the pressure probably is all on Formartine to get the result given their summer transfer business.”
Both teams have shown resilience throughout the competition thus far. Buckie Thistle secured a 3-1 victory over Huntly, with Fin Allen delivering two crucial goals. Meanwhile, Formartine United narrowly edged out Lossiemouth with a 2-1 win in the previous round.
Key Players and Strategies
Mackinnon highlighted how many of his current players have moved on from the club since their last televised game. He emphasized that this match offers an opportunity for younger talent to shine, such as 16-year-old Aberdeen loan player Aaron Cummings, who scored a well-executed goal in a recent league match.
Formartine United’s performance against Buckie Thistle in their most recent meeting is noteworthy. Former Keith and Peterhead player Hamish Ritchie netted a hat-trick, including two late penalty kicks, securing the win for Formartine.
Conclusion
The upcoming match between Buckie Thistle and Formartine United is set to be a milestone in Scottish football. For Buckie Thistle, this opportunity to showcase their talents on national television could serve as both motivation and pressure relief. As Mackinnon aptly puts it, “When it comes to the live TV, I use it as motivation for you to work extremely hard and give a good account of yourselves.” The match is scheduled for Friday, October 27, 2025, and all eyes will be on these two Highland League clubs.
