NORTH FOOTBALL

Invergordon clinched their first North Caledonian League title for 15 years when they defeated Thurso 1-0 at the Recreation Grounds.

Robert MacCormack scored in the 75th minute to secure the Easter Ross side’s fifth league title – their first since 2002.

Orkney were left to fight it out for the runners-up spot after a 4-2 win against Golspie Sutherland at Kirkwall. Two goals from Joe Wilson, a Chris Simpson goal plus an own goal did the business for the islanders, while BryanReidandGaryMacKenzie scored in either half for Golspie.

St Duthus reached the Jock MacKay Cup semi-finals after a 3-1 victory against AlnessUnited at the Links.

Jon Campbell gave Saints the lead andLewis Ross doubled the advantage a couple of minutes before the break. Liam Hutchisonreducedthe deficitwitha25yard curler but Saints struck again when ScottMiller finished off a fine flowing move.

Saints arenowaway toThurso in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Highland Amateur Cup holders Wick Groats have been drawn against Lochinver in the preliminary round of this year’s compet i t i o n , which has attracted 75 teams.

The Caithness champions, who have won the trophy on three occasions, were one of the first teams out of the hat. They will host either Helmsdale United or Top Joes in the first round proper if they get through. Seven-time winners Pentland United are away to Thurso Swifts in the first round, while five-time winners Avoch face f e l l o w Inv e r n e s s Association side Loch Ness.