Three in a row as rampant Brodick secure league title
Brodick 10 Shiskine 0
In what was billed as a grudge match after the two sides’ previous encounter in Shiskine, the absence of defender Stal Murray through injury meant it was a relatively quiet encounter played in good spirits. So much so that Shiskine veteran Trevor was even seen giving Babbies MacNeil a hug during the first half.
The rearranged fixture took place last Thursday night at Ormidale Park. Shiskine started the game brightly and pegged Brodick back with Greg McCrae rolling back the years and clearing a goal-bound effort off the line. Brodick scored against the run of play, which seemed to settle any nerves, and then went on to produce the kind of football they have become accustomed to this year.
Toby Wingham staked a claim for this year’s golden boot with five goals, Iain ‘Keeno’ Kean grabbed himself one and could have had another before referee Loci Macdonald chopped it off for an infringement.
Brodick’s very own Pele, Owen Quigley, carried on his fine form with a brace to make it another double figured scoreline for the Jingly Jangly men.
Northend 1 Brodick 17
It wasn’t quite ‘helicopter Sunday’ but more ‘white van Monday’ with news filtering through during the second half at the Ewe Camp on Monday night that Brodick’s closest rivals, Lamlash, were up 3-2 against Southend on the other side of the island. The Jingly Jangly men knew that the title was staying in Brodick for the third year in a row with a game to spare. With the score at the time 12-0 to Brodick, the chances of slipping up were slim.
In another goal-fest, it was Archie McNicol’s turn to pull away from big Toby Wingham in the race for this year’s golden boot with a six-goal frenzy. To be fair, the scoreline did not flatter Brodick but credit to the young Northend team who battled on and even scored a second-half goal through Lennon Deary.
Iain ‘Keeno’ Kean was on the score sheet again with four, although the dubious goals panel has yet to decide whether one deflected strike was in fact another own goal to add to the other two Northend put past their deflated keeper. Other scorers were Pele Quigley, Toby and a fine strike from Adam McNicol to rub more salt into the gaping wounds.
The final whistle sparked joyous scenes with Henry McNicol invading the pitch to greet the triumphant players. After order was restored it was off to the Ormidale for a drink on the sponsors Orwin House, and Tommy Gilmore also bought the boys a dram. Rumour has it that the meaningless final game will be a chance for the Brodick players to receive a guard of honour from the Southenders.
Lamlash 3 Southend 2
Lamlash ruined Southend’s slim chances of the league title with a good win after a feisty affair behind the high school. Southend took the lead going down the hill in the first half after a great move was finished off by Murray Picken. Just before half-time, Lamlash were awarded a dubious free kick from just outside the box and after a scramble Martin Ross was on hand to lob the ball into the top corner.
Grant Adamson was on the scoresheet early in the second half after Fraser Gilbert saved and, despite his best efforts to grab the ball, it travelled over the line by the smallest of margins. Lamlash were then awarded a penalty after Mike ‘the bike’ Stewart handled in the area. James Todd stepped up but after hitting the bar, the ball fell kindly to him on the rebound but somehow he managed to lose his footing and put the ball wide. However, it wasn’t long before Grant grabbed his second with a welltaken finish beyond Fraser Gilbert.
Danny Head moved up into midfield and scored a late consolation goal but there wasn’t enough time as Lamlash gained their first win over Southend in the league for many years.
Big thanks go to Alan McGrath stepping in at the last minute to referee and he gave the man of the match award to Danny Currie. He had a solid half at centre back before moving back into midfield for the second half in his more favoured position.
Southend captain Danny Head remarked after the game that there was more chance of him becoming Sam Allardyce’s new assistant in the England job than him giving Brodick a guard of honour in their final game of the season.
The next fixtures are on Monday August 1 when Southend play Brodick and Lamlash are at home to Shiskine. Both kick-offs are at 6.30pm.