Inveraray revenge wins semi-final spot
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Balliemore Cup quarter-final Inveraray 3 Oban Celtic 1
THE MEN from the royal burgh are through to the Balliemore Cup semi-finals after they beat Oban Celtic 3-1 at the Winterton last Saturday.
Oban Celtic were 3-2 winners when the sides met at the same venue in the Artemis Macaulay Cup.
Inveraray manager Ruaraidh Graham had Douglas Dando back in defence in place of Ross Montgomery while Graham MacPherson returned in goal for Scott MacLachlan.
Inveraray started well, with Lewis MacNicol again impressing in midfield, but they found Stephen Davidson in the Oban Celtic goal to be in fine form.
Inveraray eventually took the lead on the half-hour mark in a move started and finished by Fraser Watt.
The goal seemed to spur Oban Celtic on and they slowly started to work their way back into the game during the remainder of the half, aided at times by a lethargic looking Inveraray side.
Inveraray managers John Montgomery and Ally Watt must have had stern words for their boys at the break because they made a fast and determined start to the second half and they doubled their lead a minute after the restart with Lewis Montgomery producing a composed finish. The goal gave Inveraray a cushion and settled home nerves.
Oban Celtic had a chance to pull a goal back when referee Robert Baxter penalised Nicholas Crawford for pulling down his opponent inside the D. However, Graham MacPherson showed that he hasn’t lost his touch by saving Daniel Madej’s spot-hit.
As the second half wore on, both teams spurned chances despite knowing the next goal would be pivotal.
Inveraray were next to get a penalty when Oban Celtic keeper Stephen Davidson fell on the ball with 68 minutes on the clock. Fraser Watt smashed the spot-hit home for his second goal of the game.
Inveraray were awarded a second penalty when Stephen Davidson was penalised for a swing at Lewis Montgomery, earning the goalie a yellow card.
However, this time Fraser Watt passed up the chance of a hat-trick goal with his penalty strike sailing off target.
Despite a 3-0 scoreline, Oban Celtic, with Andy Hunt in great form, came back strongly and they started to dominate the centre line, looking very dangerous each time they broke forward.
In an attempt to upset Celtic’s rhythm, Inveraray made three changes, bringing on youngsters Hamish McLennan and Robert Wood and the experienced David MacPherson.
This seemed to work and Inveraray started to look strong again with Robert Wood in particular catching the eye at full forward.
Oban Celtic’s Fulton Ronald, however, pulled a goal back with 10 minutes remaining, following a scramble in the box, to make the final score 3-1.
This was a solid Inveraray performance against a well-organised Oban Celtic team and they will play either Skye Camanachd or Fort William, who play this coming weekend, in the semi-finals.
Inveraray will want to extend their winning streak this Saturday when they head north to play Inverness in the Marine Harvest National Division.
South Division 1 Taynuilt 3 Tayforth 1
TAYNUILT moved up to fourth position in South Division 1 after they beat third-placed Tayforth 3-1 at Taynuilt Sports Field.
Stuart Scott gave the hosts the lead after 25 minutes and he added a second on the stroke of half-time.
David Campbell made it 3-0 on 52 minutes and, although Craig Ferrier pulled a goal back 10 minutes later, Taynuilt saw out the remainder of the game to secure their second league win of the season.
South Division 2 Strachur 5 Aberdour 1
GOAL difference keeps Strachur from going top of South Division 2 after they beat Aberdour reserves 5-1 at Strachur more.
Stuart Robertson and Angus Campbell bagged doubles with Kyle McEwan also finding the back of the net.
Chris Bowerman netted a consolation goal for Aberdour late on.