The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Newtonmore chase one that got away
Schoolboy Kieran MacPherson, 16, comes into the Kingussie squad for the first time for their Artemis Macaulay Cup first-round tie against Lochaber at the Dell tomorrow.
“Kieran is a talented defender who has earned this call-up,” said manager Dallas Young.
Not so good news for Kings is that forward James Falconer has shoulder ligament damage which will keep him out of action for another six weeks.
Ryan Borthwick, who broke down at Kinlochshiel, is still injured, while Martin Dallas is almost ready after ligament trouble but this tie comes too soon for him.
Lochaber, yet to win, have Pat Toal fit after illness and Donald Macrae back from offshore. But Brian Macdonald has a thumb injury which could keep him out for weeks and Barry Macdonald is serving a two-game suspension.
Last year’s MacTavish Cup finalists have a tough task against the record 23 times Macaulay winners, who last lifted the trophy seven years ago.
Fort William have Bryan Simpson suspended after last week’s red card for their home tie against the 2012 cup winners Glen Urquhart. Sean Cameron (work) is unavailable, but Alexander Macmillan could be fit to return.
“We’re going well and that’s because we’re a more balanced team this year,” said Fort co-manager Victor Smith. “We’re playing with confidence and scoring goals. Glen Urquhart are a challenge but we’re looking forward to it.”
Lewis Maclennan is fit again for the Premiership men, who wait on fitness checks on Euan Lloyd and Calum Smith. Veteran forward Glen Mackintosh reckons champions Newtonmore are particularly determined to win tomorrow’s Artemis Macaulay Cup first-round tie against Skye at Portree.
The prolific 38-year-old, who has scored three goals in the last two games, is playing through the pain as he waits for a scan on a knee problem but he said: “The Macaulay Cup was the one that got away last year, so we’re keen to put that right this time.
“We lost in extra time at home to Lovat, so that stopped us pulling off a grand slam last year. We’ve had a slow start to this season, with a run of away games, but we’re beginning to gain momentum.
“Taking chances has been our problem. But with Evan Menzies and Christopher Sellar on their way back, things are more hopeful on that front.
“We’ve been hit by injuries but the arrival of David Maclean from Beauly is proving a boost. He’s a good reader of the game and has settled in well at wing centre.”
Mackintosh, who scored the winning goal in the Camanachd Cup final last September, added: “My knee has been pretty sore after games. Physio treatment hasn’t made a difference, so I’ve arranged for a scan. If they say surgery is needed, I’ll tell them there are too many big games ahead and it will have to wait till the season’s finished.”
Newtonmore goalkeeper Owen Fraser has knee ligament trouble which could keep him out of the champions’ line-up for several weeks.
Former international Norman Campbell is poised to switch from outfield to play between the sticks at Portree.
The goalkeeper problem casts a shadow over Newtonmore’s revival and Fraser Mackintosh is again set to miss the Skye tie with a rib injury, while Paul Macarthur remains on the casualty list.
Skye have young attacker Jordan Murchison and the
“Stopped us pulling off a grand slam last year”
experienced Neil MacVicar poised to start after injury.
They are unbeaten National Division leaders, with Will Cowie in sparkling scoring form, and would like to avenge being knocked out of two cup competitions by Newtonmore last year. Conor Howe, absent for work reasons last week, returns to the Oban Camanachd attack for their cup tie against Ballachulish at Jubilee Park.
Oban, the 1995 winners, are the Premiership’s top scorers but lost at Lovat last week and manager Ian Hay will be looking for an improved performance.
Neighbours Oban Celtic have teenage attacker Ross Macmillan back from suspension for their visit to Inveraray. Kilmallie have three players suspended for their visit to table-toppers Kyles Athletic in the only Marine Harvest Premiership fixture tomorrow and manager Mark MacPherson has laid it on the line about further red cards.
Arran Sandison and Liam Cameron, sent off last week, begin two-game bans, Michael Rodger has one game remaining of his suspension but Duncan Rodger returns from his compulsory stint on the sidelines.
“The players have been warned to stay away from referees as our red card tally is getting beyond a joke,” said MacPherson.
Full-back Calum Millar is set to miss out for Kyles with hamstring trouble which could force manager James Perlich into a reshuffle as his team has the opportunity to go two points clear at the top.
Caberfeidh can go
“Players have been warned to stay away from referees”
second in the National Division if they win by two goals against Beauly at Strathpeffer.
New boys Caithness make a 600-mile round trip to Bute in the second round of the Aberdein Considine Sutherland Cup.
Kingussie colts have an early departure for Fife, their tie at Aberdour having a noon start because the latter’s first team is also at home.
Similarly, Fort William start at noon at home to Oban Lorn.
Lochcarron head for cup holders Newtonmore, while Glengarry make the short trip to face Lochaber.
Boleskine cross Loch Ness to play Glen Urquhart. Lochside Rovers visit Kyles Athletic, while Inverness head for Castle Leod to meet Caberfeidh.