Battling Northend seen off by two late strikes
Southend 2
Northend 1
Northend almost produced the biggest shock for years in Arran football as it took Southend two late goals to come back to beat the team sitting bottom of the league.
The Lochranza side set up their defence well and, despite wave after wave of Southend pressure, the de fence stood firm with some decisive tackling. They also had a few breakaways themselves.
Northend goalkeeper Bryan McCallum was also in great form, saving everything thrown at him by the Southenders.
When the half-time whistle blew, Northend went off with a well-deserved scoreline of 0-0.
In the second half, Southend became frantic and were doing everything but put the ball in the net as Northend had parked the bus and their tactics were working effectively.
On the hour mark, with everyone forward for the home side, the ball broke for a Northend counter and Lyle Bunyan got in front of Tommy MacHale and was tripped in the area to earn a penalty. Andy MacNamara stepped up and made no mistake.
Southend finally got the equaliser in the 75th minute when Fraser Gilbert slotted one into the corner. It was a nervy last 10 minutes for the boys in yellow but Jack Simmons came to their rescue to spare their blushes.
Bryan was given man of the match by referee Johnny Sloss after some tremendous stops.
Shiskine 1
Brodick 13
Brodick continued their emphatic form with a convincing victory over in Blackwaterfoot. Returning traveller Toby Wingham got four goals for the Orwin House boys. Andy Thomson picked up another man of the match perfor- mance and added another two goals to his tally. Archie McNicol bagged another brace as well to all but guarantee him another golden boot.
Babbies MacNeil also managed to get four goals as he was put up front in an attacking position. John Drummond got the other goal for Brodick. Donald Mulholland scored Shiskine’s only goal of the game.
Brodick and Southend will do battle on Monday night with it looking like a potential league decider at Ormidale Park at 6.30pm. Northend will play against Lamlash in the other game at the Ewe Camp with a 7pm kick-off.