Cunningham pulls the strings as Mallaig score eight against United
Mallaig overcame a stern test from GA United in the first half of their William Wilson league tie in Plockton on Saturday as they ran out 8-2 winners thanks to a fine second half display.
Mallaig went into the game in good form and on the back of a remarkable 35-0 victory at home to Portree a week prior. With two games left in the league for Mallaig it was a must win to keep their title chances alive.
Despite Mallaig’s promising start it was the Gairloch side who took the lead after some sloppy play at the back gave the GA number nine an opening and he slotted past Mallaig keeper Johnston, who was left with no chance.
Mallaig turned on the pressure as they looked to get on the score sheet and it didn’t take them long with Cameron Muir to do so as he coolly finished in the box past the GA keeper to draw Mallaig level.
And it was Muir who put Mallaig in front as he raced on to a through ball and finished with a delightful lob over the on-rushing keeper.
Mallaig really turned on the style in the second half as they raced into a commanding lead.
Cameron Muir completed his hat-trick with a flicked header before Angus MacNaughton got Mallaig’s fourth of the day.
Young Ryan MacDonald also got his name on the score sheet to cap off what was another excellent performance from the young man.
GA then got their second of the game and another defensive mistake as an unmarked United player scored from a corner.
It was at this point Andy Cunningham came to life and dominated proceedings.
He got his first and Mallaig’s sixth after a delightful turn on the edge of the box before driving in to the box and firing low past the goalkeeper. For the seventh, he skipped past two defenders before curling a shot into the bottom right of the goal. Cunningham completed his hat trick as he collected the ball in the box faked to shoot and skipped past the defender to slot it into the empty net.
Mallaig manager Jamie McGregor said: ‘There were some great individual performances this week. Neil Cameron was outstanding in the midfield dictating the pace of the game. The front three were excellent, Ross Douglas despite not scoring was very good linking up with his strike partners. Cameron Muir was brilliant and showed some great finishes to seal a hat-trick for himself.
‘Man of the match this week goes to Andy Cunningham. Another outstanding performance from the striker, continuing the great form he’s shown all season. Three great goals and some amazing bits of skill and link-up throughout the game.’