Derby win sees Newtonmore take another step towards league title
Marine Harvest Premiership Kingussie 1 Newtonmore 4
Newtonmore took another step towards a seventh successive Marine Harvest Premiership title when they saw off a determined Kingussie side to win 4-1 in their 6pm throw up at the Dell.
This derby match was brought forward to Friday August 5 so it could be covered live by BBC Alba.
The pitch was in superb condition, although the pre-match rain left the surface a bit greasy. That didn’t concern the usual large crowd which gathered to support their favourites in this battle between the fiercest of shinty rivals.
There was a minute’s silence ahead of throw up as the clubs remembered the recent passing of two of their legends from days gone by – Kingussie’s Evan Cattanach and Johnny Campbell of Newtonmore.
Newtonmore made a bright start. A pass from Glen MacKintosh from wide on the left found Paul MacArthur who had cut infield but his effort was blocked.
Play switched to the other end and Savio Genini was just unable to reach a James Hutchison ball from the right.
Newtonmore worked a short corner on the right. Jamie Robinson touched the ball to Neil Stewart who cut the ball back but Kingussie keeper Craig Dawson did enough to deflect Fraser MacKintosh’s shot away for a corner.
A neat Kingussie free-hit saw Savio Genini find James Falconer in a good position at the edge of the ‘D’ but he missed his first hit and then pulled the ball wide of Owen Fraser’s right post.
With chances being created at both ends, it wasn’t going to be long before the deadlock was broken and it was the league leaders who went in front on 16 minutes. Norman Campbell gathered possession in midfield and found Neil Stewart who swept the ball on to Glen MacKintosh. The Scotland forward fought for possession with Lee Bain just outside the ‘D’ before turning and thumping the ball high into the net to make it 1- 0.
Glen MacKintosh took a deft touch to control the ball before shooting from the right but Craig Dawson saved well with his feet before playing the ball out for a corner on the ’More right.
The sheer size and strength of the Newtonmore defence against their opposite numbers was obvious but Kingussie kept the ball moving along the ground and got their reward on 27 minutes with a well-worked goal. Louis Munro broke up a visiting attack before sending the ball down the Kingussie left.
James Hutchison held the ball wide by the touchline before playing it infield to Savio Genini who flicked the ball onto James Falconer.
The ball seemed to stick on the surface but Falconer kept his cool as he took a couple of touches before beating the keeper low at his left post to make it 1-1.
Kingussie were only able to maintain parity for a couple of minutes. Good play from Neil Stewart took the ball across goal. Paul MacArthur drove the ball in low towards goal and Evan Menzies took a touch at the edge of the ‘D’ before turning and beating the keeper low at his right side to make it 2-1.It was a deadly finish and it demonstrated why Menzies is Newtonmore’s top marksman so far this season.
A hand injury forced ‘ More defender Craig Richie off the field on 32 minutes and Andy MacKintosh was introduced earlier than he might have expected.
Newtonmore came close when Glen MacKintosh flicked the ball between his legs to Fraser MacKintosh who held off his marker but tugged the ball wide of goal.
’More seemed to be finding it hard to pin down James Falconer and the youngster again found space before the break. Robert Mabon started the move by winning the ball in his own half before picking out James Hutchison on the left wing. Hutchison played the ball to Savio Genini and his first-time pass set up a great chance for an unmarked James Falconer in front of goal. But he hit his shot at keeper Fraser who did well to stop the ball with his feet and keep it out of his net.
A turn and shot from Savio Genini was blocked with his feet by Michael Russell and, seconds later, ’More defenders Rory Kennedy and Michael Russell crowded out James Hutchison following a shy on the right and Owen Fraser swept the ball away.
Both teams made changes at half time. Newtonmore withdrew an injured Jamie Robinson with Drew MacDonald taking his place at wing centre. Steven MacDonald, who seemed to be struggling in the latter stages of the first half, went to full back with Rory Kennedy going to buckshee back. Kingussie introduced Rory MacGregor at wing centre in preference to Calum Grant.
The first chance of the second half fell to Kingussie but a Thomas Borthwick shot on his back-hand was saved by Owen Fraser with his foot at his left post at the expense of a corner.
Lee Bain was the first player to make his way into referee Graham Cameron’s book on 54 minutes.
There was a double punishment for the visitors though as Fraser MacKintosh touched the free-hit in front of Evan Menzies who darted in from the left before sending an unstoppable shot across Dawson, high into the net, to make it 3-1 with 55 minutes played.
A couple of minutes later Newtonmore U17 player Iain Robinson took over from Fraser MacKintosh in attack.
The game went a bit flat for the next 15 minutes, which was perhaps understandable given all that had gone on before.
Andy MacKintosh was booked following a foul on Fraser Munro as the contest moved into the final 20 minutes.
Louis Munro seemed to jar his knee when tracking back for a ball on the Kingussie right. He needed treatment but was able to carry on.
Kingussie tried hard to reduce the deficit and Michael Russell scrambled the ball away inside the ‘D’ and Rory MacGregor shot wide of goal.
A superb strike from Thomas Borthwick from wide on the right flew just across goal as Kingussie knew they had to score next to have a chance of taking something from the game.
Newtonmore reintroduced Craig Ritchie in place of Drew MacDonald.
Newtonmore sealed the win on 79 minutes when Evan Menzies played the ball out to the left to Glen MacKintosh. Menzies took the return pass just inside the ‘D’ and he took a touch before pushing the ball low past Craig Dawson to make it 4-1. Ryan MacWilliam came on for Kingussie after Savio Genini took a knock.
Craig Dawson denied man of the match Menzies a fourth when he moved smartly to save with his foot at his right post.
The final whistle signalled a Newtonmore win and their league form has seen them drop just one point in 11 fixtures.
They have seven league games to go – five of which are at the Eilan – and it seems ‘ when’ rather than ‘if’ they will confirm a seventh successive league championship. Next up for Newtonmore is a Camanachd Cup semi-final meeting with an in-form Kinlochshiel this Saturday.
The victory also meant Newtonmore retained the Sir Tommy MacPherson Trophy which was presented to captain Steven MacDonald by the MacPherson family.
Kingussie had their fair share of the game but they weren’t as clinical in front of goal as their opponents. Their management team will disagree, but any threat of relegation seems remote at best.
Kingussie have four matches left – home and away to Kyles Athletic and away to Glenurquhart and Skye.
Fort William 1 Oban Camanachd 5
The Oban side continued their impressive form to stay in second place in the Premiership.
The Oban side were without defenders Garry Lord and Gary McKerracher who were suspended whilst Scott MacKillop and Daniel Cameron weren’t risked as both were just one booking away from missing the forthcoming Camanachd Cup semi-final against Lochaber.
Robert Alexander, Iain MacMillan and Evan MacLellan were called up from Lochside Rovers. Keeper Gavin Stobbart started despite nursing a toe injury.
Fort William were also missing a number of players and like Camanachd promoted from their second team.
The Oban side opened the scoring after 11 minutes when Scott MacMillan shot home from 30 yards. The second goal was scored by under-17 international Daniel MacVicar who tapped in from two yards.
The same player scored the third goal with a fine individual effort giving the Oban side a comfortable three-goal lead as half-time approached.
The Fort were rarely seen as an attacking force and anytime they did so the re-vamped Camanachd defence with Willie Neilson at full back and Robert Alexander at half back were in no mood to concede with team captain James MacMillan and the impressive Ross MacMillan also in good form. Team manager Ian Hay replaced Connor Howe with Ian MacMillan at the start of the second half and Evan MacLennan for Malcolm Clark.
The red and blacks continued to press with the midfield of Lorne Dickie and David Lafferty in good form. Midway through the second half, Malcolm Clark, back on as a rolling sub, completed a good move with a 20-yard strike to put Camanachd out of sight.
A further substitution saw Aidan MacIntyre come on to replace David Lafferty.
Fort William pulled a goal back with five minutes to go with a fine individual effort from Arran MacPhee.
The scoring was completed when Camanachd sub Ian MacMillan’s 20-yard drive found the top corner of the net after good lead-up play by Andrew ‘Papa’ McCuish ensuring a convincing win for Oban Camanachd. Ian Hay said: ‘ With injuries and suspensions taking their toll, it was pleasing the players from our reserve team Lochside Rovers provided such good back-up and with keeper Gavin Stobbart fit to play the team performed very well in what was always a tough fixture.’
Next up for Camanachd is Kyles at Tighnabruiach as the Oban side look to consolidate their league position.
The following Saturday they take on Lochaber in the semi-final of the Camanachd Cup.
Fort William don’t have a league fixture this coming weekend and they end the season with four away league matches.
Kyles Athletic 0 Kinlochshiel 1
Third-placed Kinlochshiel beat Kyles Athletic 1- 0 at a wet Tighnabruaich.
Kyles were without the injured Grant Irvine but Dunkie Kerr was back after missing the previous week’s win over Lovat. Kinlochshiel travelled without forward Jordan Fraser so Duncan ‘DA’ MacRae started in attack.
The game’s only goal came on 11 minutes when Duncan ‘DA’ MacRae played the ball forward to John MacRae who took a touch before hitting a shot into the bottom corner of the net. Kyles pressed hard for a leveller but the Kinlochshiel defence, marshalled by full back Paul MacRae, were excellent all afternoon.
There was a late chance for Kinlochshiel to double their lead when Keith MacRae ran through on goal. Referee David Mitchell ruled that Kyles’ keeper John Whyte had fallen on the ball in his attempt to save and pointed to the penalty spot.
But John MacRae put the penalty wide of goal.
Kinlochshiel are three points ahead of fourth-placed Kyles but they have played three games more.
Glenurquhart 1 Skye Camanachd 1
A late Danny Morrison goal earned Skye Camanachd a 1-1 draw with Glenurquhart at Blairbeg.
Glenurquhart co-managers Billy MacLean and Dave Menzies had injury concerns over James Hurwood and Michael Brady and they both missed out. Michael Fraser was on holiday whilst Fraser Heath was unavailable.
Skye Camanachd boss John MacLeod added James Pringle to the squad which drew with Oban Camanachd a week earlier with an injured Ally ‘Spod’ MacLeod dropping out.
There was more than a touch of fortune about the opening goal on 28 minutes.
David Smart drove the ball into the danger area from the Glen left. Skye defender Ally ‘Digg’ MacDonald stopped the ball with his feet but it squirmed across goal and beat a diving Jamie Gannon at his right post.
Lewis MacLennan, who is moving to the Isle of Muck soon to take up the post of gamekeeper, shot over moments later and the home side took the 1- 0 lead into the break.
Skye rallied in the second half and drew level with just five minutes remaining.
John Gillies played a corner to the back post. Jordan Murchison hit the ball back into the goal area and Danny Morrison saw his initial shot blocked before he crashed the ball low in to the net at the second attempt to make it 1-1.
It was the first league goal Glenurquhart had conceded from open play in 408 minutes.
Both teams could have won it in the closing stages. Glen keeper Stuart MacKintosh stretched high to his right to keep out a John Gillies shot from the right.
Then, at the other end, a Lewis MacLennan shot came back off the post before Neale Reid blasted the ball goalwards but Jamie Gannon stretched to his left to get his thigh to the ball to send it over the bar for an unbelievable save.
Glenurquhart stay three points ahead of Skye but they have played a couple of games more.
Skye, with their eighth draw in 11 league fixtures, move a point further away from the relegation zone and they host Lochaber, who are just a point behind them, at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree, this Saturday.
Marine Harvest National Division Kilmallie 2 Glasgow Mid Argyll 2
It was honours even at Canal Parks where Glasgow Mid Argyll twice came from a goal down to earn a share of the points in a 2-2 draw with Kilmallie.
Kilmallie’s Craig MacIsaac served the second match of a three-game suspension whilst GMA’s John McNulty was free of his four-match ban, which started in mid-June, and was given a place on the bench.
Kilmallie took the lead on four minutes when Bryan MacKay was allowed too much space around 35 yards from goal and struck the ball into the top left corner of the net to make it 1- 0.
Craig Anderson drew GMA level on 23 minutes when
he poked the ball through a crowded ‘ D’ into the bottom corner of the net.
When referee Robert Baxter awarded Kilmallie a penalty on 64 minutes, Liam MacDonald took responsibility from the spot. GMA goalie Jonathon Oates saved the spot-hit but Duncan Rodger was first to react flicking the ball into the net to make it 2-1.
GMA restored parity for a second time on 75 minutes when John McNulty, who had come on for the final half hour, sent a shot across goal from the left which beat the keeper at his left post to make it 2-2.
Referee Robert Baxter flashed two red cards late in the match.
There was a scuffle as Ryan Harrison, who was excellent throughout the game, and Duncan Rodger clashed. A number of players got involved and Kilmallie’s Jordan Fraser and GMA’s Mark Bain were sent off.
Kilmallie stay top of shinty’s second tier with 15 points from nine games. Inveraray are a point behind but have played a game more.
GMA and Caberfeidh are both a couple of points off the top spot but the former have played just eight games whilst the latter have played nine times.
Marine Harvest North Division 1 Kingussie 1 Skye Camanachd 2
The Skye Camanachd colts did well to beat the Kingussie colts 2-1 at the Dell.
Kingussie were without Ronald Ross and James MacLean but included Calum Grant, who had played the first half against Newtonmore the previous evening, and Chris Holleysong.
Kevin Thain started on the bench, although he came on in the second half.
Skye welcomed Ruaraidh MacLeod, John Angus MacInnes and Ally ‘Cleodi’ MacLeod back after they had missed the previous weekend’s defeat to Glenurquhart.
Thomas Wilson and Ross Gordon were still out with hand injuries.
John Angus MacInnes’ goal on 12 minutes gave Skye the lead but Kieran MacPherson made it 1-1 on 39 minutes. It took two fine first-half saves from Skye keeper Ryan Morrison to deny Roddy Young a goal.
Ruaraidh MacLeod looked lively when he came off the Skye bench and he scored what proved to be the winner on 73 minutes.
Kingussie stay third and Skye now climb to sixth place in the league ahead of this coming weekend’s Strathdearn Cup semi-finals which see Skye travel to play Lochcarron at Battery Park whilst Kingussie are also on the road as they face Glenurquhart at Blairbeg.
Kinlochshiel 1 Fort William 0
The Kinlochshiel reserves edged out the Fort William reserves with a 1- 0 win at Kirkton.
Kinlochshiel’s Douglas Campbell was free of suspension and he started in defence. Neil Fraser was out with a niggling hamstring injury. Fort William had to rely on veterans Neil Robertson and John MacLeod to start the match.
There were few chances in the first half, although Fort goalie Donnie Walker pulled off a good save to deny Scott MacLean who had peeled to the right of his marker before sending a low shot to the keeper’s right hand post. Walker reached out with his stick to knock the ball past the post.
The highlight of the first half came when Fort William full forward John MacLeod turned his marker and rifled a shot which was going a shade wide of target.
The ball deflected off a ’Shiel defender and was goal-bound until home goalie Ryan Gillies managed to turn the ball out for a corner.
The second half started lively enough with ’Shiel threatening the Fort goal and they got their reward on 62 minutes.
Scott MacLean went past his marker and flicked the ball forward to Duncan James who got by the full back before sending the ball high into the top right hand corner of the net with the keeper helpless.
John MacLeod and Neil Robertson were both forced off through injury.
Fort William’s Alasdair MacRae was booked by referee John Angus Gillies for a reckless swing when challenging Douglas Campbell.
The match was keenly contested and young Victor Smith proved to be a handful when he came on for John MacLeod.
There was a flashpoint with five minutes remaining. Another reckless swing, this time from Douglas Campbell, sparked a scuffle.
Fort William’s Dylan Fraser and Conall Fraser from the home team were yellow carded along with Douglas Campbell.
The two teams were even with a number of U14 players on the field and both sides put on a good display in difficult conditions.
’Shiel’s Scott MacLean was the pick of the Kinlochshiel players as he worked tirelessly in the forward line to create chances for his team-mates. Young Duncan Matheson shone at left half forward, working hard throughout whilst the home defence were solid throughout.
Fort William’s Lachie Shaw was probably the man of the match, covering every blade of grass in the centre line, and and excellent hitting and tackling.
Marine Harvest South Division 1 Aberdour 0 Col Glen 2
Aberdour missed the chance to go top of Marine Harvest South Division 1 when they lost 2- 0 to Col Glen at Silver Sands.
Col Glen played well and took the lead two minutes before the interval when Willie MacVicar controlled a cross from the right before smashing the ball into the top right corner of the net.
Col Glen took control when a Donnie McDermid shot from distance, out on the wing, made it 2- 0 on the hour mark. McDermid hit the ball well and it took what was an unlucky bounce for the keeper before ending up in the net.
Aberdour are still level on points with Oban Celtic at the top of the table but they have now played a game more.
Aberdour have just three league games to go – all away from home. They face difficult trips to Oban Celtic, Lochside Rovers and Taynuilt.
Col Glen signed off on a high as this win means they are the first team to complete their league programme.
Glenorchy 2 Kyles Athletic 1
Glenorchy worked hard to beat the Kyles Athletic seconds 2-1 at Mart Park.
Graham Morrice gave Glenorchy the lead from the penalty spot after 15 minutes.
John Smith made it 2- 0 on 65 minutes and although Christopher Blair pulled a goal back for Kyles a minute from time, Glenorchy took the points and they leap-frog Taynuilt to go sixth in the league.
Glenorchy have one league match remaining, at home to Taynuilt.
The Kyles colts have three games to go – away to Lochside Rovers and home and away to Oban Celtic.
Marine Harvest North Division 2 Aberdeen University 5 Boleskine 0
Aberdeen University made it 14 straight league wins and edged closer to the 100 league goals mark when they beat Boleskine 5- 0 at Balgownie.
Aberdeen’s Alex Duncan started a two-match suspension following his red card in the Strathdearn Cup quarter-final defeat to the Kingussie seconds. Boleskine were without Jamie Matheson.
Ross Robinson opened the scoring with the only goal of the first half on 32 minutes.
The students broke Boleskine’s resistance in the second half though as Scott Murray on 46 minutes and Willie Hunter a couple of minutes later made it 3- 0.
Player/manager Jamie Beaton made it 4- 0 on 52 minutes and Stuart Cameron added a fifth on 65 minutes.
The Aberdeen side has just one remaining home match and three away fixtures and they are hot favourites for the title.
Glengarry W/O v Kilmallie
Glengarry were awarded a walk- over when the Kilmallie second team were unable to raise a team for their meeting at Craigard.
Glengarry stay in fifth place in the league whilst Kilmallie stay sixth.
Marine Harvest South Division 2 Oban Lorn 0 Tayforth 4
Four second half goals gave Tayforth a 4- 0 win over Oban Lorn at Ganavan.
Oban Lorn’s Calum MacLean started a two-match ban.
Ewan Menzies got Tayforth on their way when he scored a minute into the second half.
An Orsten Gardiner brace on 64 and 75 minutes made it 3- 0 with Finlay Stark adding a fourth five minutes from time.
Bute 2 Glasgow Mid Argyll 2
The Bute second team and the Glasgow Mid Argyll second team shared the points in a 2-2 draw at the Meadows.
Neil McKirdy and Arran Dunn netted for Bute, with Angus MacInnes and Lewis Miller on target for GMA.
Kilmory W/O v Aberdour
Kilmory were awarded the points when the Aberdour reserves were unable to raise a team for their meeting at MacRae Park.
Kilmory stay ahead of Tayforth at the top of the table on goal difference with both sides having four games remaining including a meeting at MacRae Park.