Craig Cormack was thrilled his change of position reaped rewards for Rothes.
He netted the Speysiders’ extra-time winner in the Highland League Cup semi-final against Formartine United.
Cormack started the game at right-wing-back, but was shifted up front late in the second half after Gary Kerr had been substituted.
The former Keith player’s pace caused Formartine problems and ultimately made the difference as he raced through early in extra-time to net the winning goal.
Cormack said: “I was delighted with my goal, but it was the team performance overall that was the best thing.
“It was a bit of a change going from out wide to through the middle.
“But it worked out well in the end, it seemed like the defenders’ legs were going a bit towards the end so it worked.”
Cormack says belief was important for Rothes as they reached the Highland League Cup final for only the third time in the club’s history and for the first time since 2010.
The Mackessack Park side had trailed to Daniel Park’s strike, but found a route back into the game when Ali Sutherland equalised with four minutes left.
Cormack added: “The belief we had was important – as a team we’ve got plenty of belief and we just kept fighting. It worked out in the end for us so we couldn’t be happier.
“We were on the front foot in the first half, then second half they scored. But the boys just kept going and kept battling and once we took it to extra-time we were never really threatened after that.
“We would have taken anyone in the final and we’ll believe in ourselves going into that game.”
Rothes manager Ross Jack was pleased the alteration he made to move Cormack up front paid off.
He said: “Gary Kerr was fantastic for us early on, he put in a great shift up top and occupied their defenders.
“But he was getting tired and we knew Craig could play in that role, he’s done it before, he gave us a good option over the top and it worked out very well for us.”
Saturday’s semi-final was also a dream debut for Rothes’ new signing Ross Gunn, who made his first competitive appearance for the club along with goalkeeper Sean McCarthy and midfielder Jack Brown.
The 19-year-old former Inverness Caley Thistle and Fort William winger only joined the Speysiders last week, but came off the bench and had a hand in both goals.
Gunn’s cross led to Sutherland’s leveller and his pass put Cormack clear for the clincher.
Gunn said: “We’re all buzzing and hopefully we can go on and win the final now.
“I only signed for Rothes a couple of days before the game and it was great to make my debut on Saturday and be part of a great result.
“The manager just said to go on and make an impact and make a difference in the game.
“I felt I did that when I came on and I helped set up the winner so I’m happy.
“It will be a tough game but after our performance on Saturday I think we’ll be confident going into the final.
“It would be great for the club if we could do it and for me personally I haven’t won anything before so to be part of it just after joining would be amazing.”
