The Shinty Round Up – Saturday 2 May 2015 | |
05 May 2015 The shinty focus was mainly on cup action on Saturday 2 May 2015.
Artemis Macaulay Cup – First Round Fort William 1 Lovat 2 Lovat are through to the Artemis Macaulay Cup quarter-finals after they beat Fort William 2-1 at An Aird. Gordie MacKinnon was back for Fort William and there was a starting spot for Bryan Simpson who has missed the early part of the season through work commitments. Ryan Campbell was eligible to play for the Fort but he will miss this weekend’s Marine Harvest Premiership match against Oban Camanachd at Mossfield because of a bookings points accumulation. Arran MacPhee started at buckshee back for Fort William whilst Lovat were along usual lines. There was a dramatic opening to this contest as Fort William’s Neil MacPhee won the throw up and the ball was fed forward. Three Lovat players had fresh air shots as they tried to clear the danger and the ball eventually fell to Ewan Campbell on the edge of the box and he pushed it into the net. Fort William had a 1-0 lead and there were just 35 seconds played. It was almost constant Fort William pressure in the opening period and when referee Ron Kennedy awarded the home side a penalty on 20 minutes, things looked bleak for Lovat. However Daniel Stewart did not connect cleanly with the spot-hit and Stuart MacDonald saved with his feet. Lovat slowly came more into the game but Fort William still had the upper hand with Bryan Simpson causing problems for the Lovat defence. Lovat came close to levelling on 37 minutes. Fort goalkeeper Paul MacKay was out of his goal and Lovat fed the ball to Lewis Tawse who steered the ball towards the net but Arran MacPhee rushed back and he did well to clear the ball of the goal line. Gordie MacKinnon was unlucky on 43 minutes when his rocket-shot hit goal keeper Stuart MacDonald and Fort William took their 1-0 lead into the break. Lovat drew level a couple of minutes after the restart. There was a scramble in the Fort William defence and the ball fell to Greg Matheson around 12 yards out and with two defenders right behind him, Matheson calmly flicked the ball into the net to make it 1-1. Lovat started to gain the upper hand and although Fort William had chances, it was Lovat that looked more likely to score and they would have done so had it not been for a great save from Paul MacKay on 67minutes. Just 3 minutes later, a Kevin Bartlett free-hit found Fraser Gallacher who pulled the ball away from goals to create some space for himself and from 15 yards out, Gallacher unleashed a fierce shot into the net to put Lovat 2-1 ahead. Lovat’s Greg Matheson had the ball in the net from an acute angle on 72 minutes, but his effort was ruled out by the goal judge who deemed the ball to have just gone out of play prior to it hitting the back of the net. With just 5 minutes remaining, Lovat’s Martin Mainland was given a second yellow card by referee Ron Kennedy so the visitors played the closing minutes a man short. Lovat hung on to go into the next round where they will play Kingussie and they have to be grateful to Stuart MacDonald for keeping them in the game during the first 45 minutes when Fort William had the Balgate side defending for most of the half.
Kingussie 3 Lochaber 2 Kingussie overcame Lochaber 3-2 in their tie at the Dell. Louis Munro and Garry Munro were back for Kingussie after missing last weekend’s league win over Kinlochshiel. However the experienced Barrie Dallas and youngster Callum Grant were absentees. Lochaber were without the injured Zandz Ferguson but keeper Calum MacDonald recovered after suffering concussion in last week’s defeat to Newtonmore. There was also a place for Ben Delaney after a run of matches in the Lochaber second team. Kingussie had considered postponing the match following the passing of club stalwart Ian “Andy” Anderson earlier in the week. However the Anderson family intimated that they wished the tie to go ahead as scheduled and there was a minutes silence ahead of throw up and both sets of players wore black armbands as a mark of respect. Savio Genini put Kingussie ahead from the penalty spot on 12 minutes and he scored his eighth goal of the season to make it 2-0 on 19 minutes. Ben Delaney pulled a goal back for Lochaber on 35 minutes. Whilst Kingussie were probably the better team in the first half, Lochaber got on top after the break and Stuart Callison drew them level when he made it 2-2 on 66 minutes. Kingussie pushed John Gibson forward from midfield in the closing stages and he netted what proved to be the winner on 83 minutes. It was an eventful afternoon for Gibson who sent off shortly afterwards by referee Graham Cameron as was Lochaber’s Kevin Ferguson following a separate incident a couple of minutes from time.
Inveraray 1 Glasgow Mid Argyll 0 Inveraray edged out Glasgow Mid Argyll 1-0 in their tie at the Winterton. John Kennedy returned from injury for Inveraray but he was an unused substitute. Forward Chris Crawford was out after dislocating his thumb last weekend so Douglas Dando started up front. Andrew McMurdo missed out as he was at a wedding. GMA were without attacker Craig Anderson, Nick Lavin, Andy Mathie and Jamie MacFadyen. Inveraray U17 player Allan Cameron, who came off the bench in place of Crawford against Newtonmore last weekend, was again called into action during the first half to replace Douglas Dando and he was a real live-wire who gave the visiting defence little peace. The closest to a first half goal was a Lewis MacNicol shot from distance which was kept out by GMA goalie Paul Creighton. Inveraray took more of a grip of the contest in the second half and as the tie went on, it looked more and more likely that one goal would settle it. The winner came on 76 minutes and it was a first senior strike for Allan Cameron who took his goal really well following a home corner. GMA had a late penalty claim when substitute Calum McLay went down inside the D but referee John MacGregor waved away their claims. Inveraray will be delighted to be in the next round after seeing off a bright young GMA team and they will host Kyles Athletic in the quarter-finals.
Kyles Athletic 10 Glenorchy 0 Free-scoring Kyles Athletic were too strong for Glenorchy, winning 10-0 at Tighnabruaich. The day was a personal triumph for Kyles’ Grant Irvine who scored no fewer than seven times. Grant Irvine got the opener on 24 minutes and Thomas Whyte made it 2-0 just 5 minutes later. Irvine’s second strike of the afternoon made it 3-0 just 4 minutes before the interval but a goal avalanche was to follow in the second half. Irvine completed his hat-trick on 50 minutes and Gordon Whyte made it 5-0 on 53 minutes. Grant Irvine then netted three more times on 57, 62 and 76 minutes to make it 8-0. There was no respite for Glenorchy as Matthew MacColl added a ninth on 82 minutes and it was fitting that Grant Irvine would have the final say when he made 10-0 with 5 minutes remaining.
Bute P Oban Camanachd P The tie between Bute and Oban Camanachd at the Meadows was postponed following the sad passing of Jamie Kerr. The 25 year old Lochside Rovers player died following an accident at work just a couple of days earlier.
RBS MacTavish Cup – Quarter Final Kinlochshiel 2 Kilmallie 1 Kinlochshiel will host Newtonmore in the RBS MacTavish Cup semi-finals after they beat Kilmallie 2-1 in their 3pm throw up at Kirkton. Kinlochshiel full back Paul MacRae was suspended following his red card against Kingussie last weekend so David Falconer started at full back. Fraser MacVicar lined up in attack, his first appearance for some time following injury. Liam MacDonald was back for Kilmallie but John Stewart was sidelined through injury. Seb MacMillan and Michael Rodger both passed up early chances for Kilmallie – each putting the ball over the bar from inside the D. ‘Shiel responded and a John MacRae shot was deflected to safety whilst a Jordan Fraser piledriver hit the side-netting. John MacRae put ‘Shiel ahead after 21 minutes. Donald Nixon found his brother Alasdair Nixon on the right and his cross picked out John MacRae who had his initial effort saved by Kilmallie keeper Shane Gillies but the rebound fell kindly for MacRae who hit the back of the net. Keeper Gillies made a great stop to deny MacRae a second on 24 minutes. Fraser MacVicar put his injury trouble over the last season behind him when he made it 2-0 following a goalmouth scramble on 28 minutes. ‘Shiel’s Oliver MacRae was first booked for a challenge at the end of the D and then withdrawn with a hand injury. Nathan Whear came on in his place and the home side took their two goal cushion into the interval. Seb MacMillan and Liam MacDonald gave Kilmallie hope at the start of the second half. John MacRae looked to be ‘Shiel’s biggest threat and he was thwarted by Shane Gilles who turned one effort onto the post and then blocked an attempt from close-in from the Scottish international. Kilmallie’s Liam Cameron, who had come on for Ryan Stewart after an hour, pulled a goal back 15 minutes from time when he shot low into the net after breaking forward from midfield. ‘Shiel full back David Falconer was forced off after taking a blow to the leg. Graham Morrison, who played for the reserves earlier in the day, came on in his place with Finlay MacRae moving to full back. Kilmallie threw everything at the ‘Shiel goal in the closing stages but Scott Kennedy in goal was equal to the task – including tipping away a Martin Stewart drive which was going in under the bar - and whilst Michael Rodger sent a ferocious drive just over the bar. But Kinlochshiel held out and they will have home advantage against Newtonmore in the semi-finals.
Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup – Second Round Kinlochshiel 2 Fort William 3 The Fort William reserves are through to the Aberdein Sutherland Cup quarter-finals after they beat the Kinlochshiel reserves 3-2 in their noon throw up at Kirkton. Cal Brown served the second game of a two match ban for Fort William. Ally MacRae got ‘Shiel off to a great start when he opened the scoring after just 2 minutes. However Duncan Rodger was again the difference for the Fort as he netted on 4, 12 and 22 minutes and his quick-fire hat-trick gave his side a 3-1 lead. Michael Morrison made it 3-2 on 40 minutes and that’s the way it stayed until the interval. There were no second half goals so Fort William now make the short journey to Craigard to face Glengarry in the semi-finals.
Caberfeidh 0 Newtonmore 8 The Newtonmore reserves beat the Caberfeidh reserves 8-0 in their noon throw up at Castle Leod. The Newtonmore first team injury situation has meant some first team game time for forward Neil Stewart but he was back in the reserves for this one and he opening the scoring on 25 minutes. His brother Calum Stewart celebrated his return from injury with goals on 28, 35 and 50 minutes to make it 4-0. Duncan Gorman added a fifth on the hour mark and Calum Stewart got his fourth on 66 minutes to make it 6-0. Duncan Gorman got his second just 4 minutes later and Calum Stewart’s fifth goal of the afternoon on 85 minutes rounded off the 8-0 win.
Glenurquhart 4 Lovat 2 Glenurquhart took the honours in their reserve clash with Lovat, winning 4-2 at Balgate. Thomas Fraser gave Lovat a 16 minute lead but David MacLennan ensured the sides went into the break all-square with a 29 minute goal. MacLennan got his second goal 5 minutes after the restart and Andrew Young made it 3-1 on 58 minutes. Lovat’s Rory Campbell narrowed the deficit on 64 minutes but Glenurquhart’s David MacLennan had the final say as he completed his hat-trick on 83 minutes to seal a quarter-final tie with Newtonmore at the Eilan.
Skye Camanachd 4 Col Glen 2 The Skye Camanachd colts beat Col Glen 4-2 at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Skye went in front on 12 minutes when wing centre Calum Gibb burst forward from midfield to score. However Col Glen shocked their hosts as Steven MacKellar on 15 minutes and Connor Kennedy a couple of minutes later put them 2-1 in front. However Skye settled and John MacKenzie collected a ball from Iain MacLellan on 26 minutes before crashing an unstoppable shot into the back of the net to make it 2-2. James Pringle put Skye back in front on 32 minutes when he scored following a goalmouth scramble. Iain MacLellan made it 4-2 when his effort flew just inside the post on 39 minutes. Skye had the better of the second half but they were unable to add to their tally.
Glengarry 3 Beauly 2 (after extra-time) Glengarry are through to the next round after they defeated Beauly 3-2 after two hours of shinty at Craigard. Scott Bremner put Glengarry ahead on 20 minutes and that’s the way it stayed until a couple of minutes from time when Beauly’s Martin Davidson equalised to make it 1-1. Referee Willie MacDonald took the tie into extra-time and Glengarry went back in front on 97 minutes through Daniel MacLennan who is now available on a weekly basis after completing the Highland League football season with Inverness Clach. Beauly player / manager Stephen MacLean drew the visitors level once more a minute into the second period of extra-time. However with just 2 minutes remaining, and penalties looming, Glengarry’s Andrew Gilchrist scored the winning goal to give his side a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Kilmallie 1 Inveraray 2 The Kilmallie second team went down 2-1 to their Inveraray counter-parts at the Canal Parks. Fraser Watt gave the visitors a 15 minute lead. Iain Beagrie levelled on 27 minutes. However Fraser Watt got his and Inveraray’s second on 71 minutes to win the tie. Inveraray now host Skye Camanachd in the quarter-finals.
Aberdour 0 Lochaber 5 Lochaber sealed a place in the last eight with a 5-0 win at Silver Sands against the Aberdour reserves. With Ben Delaney in the Lochaber first team squad, his brother Danny Delaney featured up front and once Ryan Toal got a 19 minute opener, Danny Delaney chipped in with four goals on 25, 48, 68 and 74 minutes. The 5-0 victory earns Lochaber a quarter-final trip to play Kingussie or Lochside Rovers.
Kingussie P Lochside Rovers P There noon throw up between Kingussie and Lochside Rovers at the Dell was postponed following the sad passing of Jamie Kerr. The 25 year old Lochside Rovers player died following an accident at work just a couple of days earlier.
Marine Harvest National Division Beauly 3 Inverness 1 Beauly go top of the table after coming from behind to beat Inverness 3-1 at Braeview Park. Jamie MacLennan was still out injured for Beauty whilst Ross Forbes started a two-game ban following his red card against Kilmallie last weekend. Play-maker Barrie MacDonald was also missing but Sean Stewart returned. There was a place in the Inverness side for former Oban Camanachd player Matt Rippon and former Beauly player James Cameron started in goal. Former Skye Camanachd player Somhairle MacDonald also lined-up for the Highland Capital side. Matt Rippon gave Inverness the lead on 8 minutes and Davie Duncan hit the post for the home side as the first half entered the closing stages. Beauly fought back and James Cameron saved well from Marc MacLachlan but with just two first half minutes remaining, Sean Stewart latched onto a poor clearance out of the Inverness defence and he scored to level the match at the break. Beauly started the second half well and James Cameron was again called into action as he saved from Conor Ross. Inverness suffered a blow 10 minutes into the second half when Peter Grace was sent off by referee Archie Ritchie following a flash-point in midfield. To add salt to the Inverness wounds, Jack MacDonald knocked a rebound home following the resultant free-hit to make it 2-1. Beauly continued to press and David MacLean made it 3-1 on 77 minutes with a good strike past the helpless Cameron following another set-piece. James Cameron produced late saves from Marc MacLachlan and substitute Sandy Elrick as the home side made their extra man count. Beauly now lead second place Glasgow Mid Argyll on goal difference.
Caberfeidh 0 Skye Camanachd 2 Skye Camanachd go third in the table after they beat Caberfeidh 2-0 in their 3pm throw up at Castle Leod. The sides had drawn 1-1 at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree earlier in the season. Skye made the better start to the game, creating some good early chances and they moved the ball around well. After only 5 minutes, Cabers keeper Ewen Pilcher did well to clear a ball that Blair Morrison had chested down and was heading for goal. After 13 minutes, the inevitable breakthrough came when Danny Morrison fired goalwards and, at the last moment, the ball took an awkward bounce which wrong footed the keeper. Skye continued to press and on 17 minutes, Allan MacKinnon found space on the left and he unleashed a great shot that keeper Pilcher had little chance of saving. Cabers came more into the game although Skye passed up some chances to increase their lead. Iain Nicolson came on for Skye for the last half hour; his first appearance in the senior team since his return from Lovat. However after twice coming close to adding a third Skye goal, he had to leave the field with a hand injury which required a trip to Raigmore Hospital.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Lochcarron 0 Strathglass 0 Lochcarron followed up last week’s win over the Kinlochshiel reserves with a goalless draw with Strathglass at Battery Park. George Phimister was free of suspension for Strathglass. There was little goalmouth action in the first half. The nearest to a goal came midway through the half when a dipping 20 yard drive from Strathglass’ Robert Geddes hit the Lochcarron crossbar. Lochcarron keeper Peter MacKenzie went over his ankle on the half hour mark and he was replaced between the sticks by Matthew Young who had started in the forward line. Strathglass made a bright start to the second half and on 51 minutes, Robert Geddes got away from his marker and unleashed a ripping strike from 15 yards out but Matthew Young pulled of a fantastic save. Another Geddes rocket from 20 yards on 61 minutes tested the young keeper but again Young pulled off a tremendous save. Robert Geddes was the Strath’s main threat and he dribbled through the heart of the Lochcarron defence on 74 minutes and only had the goalie to beat. However Young both saved the shot and cleared the danger. With just a couple of minutes remaining, Lochcarron were awarded a penalty. Strath defender Andrew Fraser kicked the ball inside the D and referee John Angus Gillies pointed to the spot. Gregor Cushnie stepped up to take the penalty but his effort was comfortably saved by visiting keeper Steven MacLachlan. It was a late chance passed up from the home side although Strathglass will be disappointed not to have converted at least one of their chances. Lochcarron had goalie Matthew Young to thank for his man of the match performance which earned them a point.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Kilmory 1 Taynuilt 2 Taynuilt came from behind to record their first league win of the season as they beat Taynuilt 2-1 at MacRae Park. All the goals came in the first half. Alex Cunningham put Kilmory ahead on just 6 minutes only for Stuart Scott to level on 22 minutes. Stuart Scott got his and Strachur’s second 6 minutes later to make it 2-1. This was a close encounter and Kilmory had chances in the remainder of the contest but they couldn’t find a way past the excellent Chris Parr in the Taynuilt goal. Taynuilt, who injected some experience into their side for this match, move up to seventh place in the table and they only trail sixth place Kilmory on goal difference.
Oban Celtic P Strachur P The match between Oban Celtic and Strachur at Mossfield was postponed as Strachur were unable to raise a team. The game will be rescheduled for a later date.
(Further updates will follow as more information becomes available) |