Mallaig out of Highland Cup at first attempt
MALLAIG Football Club’s first appearance in the Highland Amateur Cup ended in defeat at the Bught Park on Saturday as they were beaten 5-2 by Belmac FC.
The club can be proud of its debut match in the competition, however, as the Lochaber side pushed a strong Belmac team close in a well-fought match.
A tight first half saw Mallaig go into the break 2-1 down after being level 1-1, Matthew Cunningham with the goal.
Soon after the half time break, Mallaig found themselves 3-1 down and heading out of the competition.
However, the match wasn’t over as captain Jaimie Young scored a terrific goal from a corner to make it 3-2. Mallaig went all out to grab the goal that would force extra time but their push for goals left them short at the back and they were hit with two goals on the counterattack to finish the tie and secure victory for Belmac.
More worrying for Mallaig was the amount of injures picked up, adding to an ever-growing list.
Despite being dumped out of the cup, manager Jamie McGregor was pleased with a number of performances from the players, especially man of the match Jaimie Young, but did mention the growing injury concerns in the squad.
He said: ‘We hope the lads don’t face too long on the side lines. We wish Bellmac the very best in the next round.’
Belmac FC go through to the next round of the cup where they face Inverness Thistle. Mallaig are back to league duty this Saturday when they take on GA United at Plockton High School.