Mallaig Cup final dream is ended by Kyleakin
Mallaig’s cup run came crashing to an end on Saturday as a well organised Kyleakin ran out comfortable winners in the final at Broadford on Saturday June 9.
A late Mallaig resurgence was not enough to overcome a dogged Kyleakin defence in the cup final, while the Skye side were clinical in front of goal.
Kyleakin got off to the better start and looked much more dangerous from the first whistle, creating a number of half chances.
They would finally open the scoring after Mallaig carelessly gave away possession to dominating Kyleakin midfielder Norman Gillies who brushed off a couple of challenges to stroke the ball into the bottom corner, leaving Mallaig goalkeeper with no chance.
Mallaig created little chances in the first half with forwards Ross Douglas and Andy Cunnignham left isolated without good service.
With the score 1-0 at half time, the game was still very much in the balance, however this soon changed as Kyleakin came flying out of the traps and struck two quick fire goals right after half time to really knock the stuffing out of a Mallaig side who were caught cold right after the restart.
Firstly, a Stuart Gillies shot rebounded off the post but Craig MacKinnon was alert to the loose ball and stroked home to give Kyleakin a two goal advantage. Only a few minutes later, the Reds were three up, with striker Gordy McCarroll getting his name on the scoresheet after picking up on a Chris MacLennan pass, before beating a defender and with his trusted left foot to cushion the ball home.
With the game at 3-0 and in real danger of getting away from them, Mallaig made a couple of changes, one being the introduction of Brett Macmillan back from injury. The introduction made Mallaig look more of a threat going forward and immediately had an impact. MacMillan was judged to have been tripped inside the box around six yards from goal and was duly awarded a penalty.
Andy Cunningham stepped up and handed Mallaig a lifeline in the tie by coolly slotting the ball to the goalkeeper’s right.
This goal sparked Mallaig into life and they continued to throw everything at a resilient and strong Kyleakin. With about 10 minutes to go the team thought they had pulled within one when Ross Douglas was denied from eight yards out on the half volley by a wonder save by the Kyleakin number one, Craig Wilson, who turned the ball over the crossbar.
With Mallaig fully committed to each wave of attack, an opportunity opened up once again for Kyleakin which they converted to give them their fourth goal of the game. It was man of the match Gordy McCarroll who completed the scoring in injury time, latching onto a long kick from goalkeeper Wilson before casually finding the back of the net to kickstart the celebrations.
For Mallaig, this was a disappointing end to an otherwise joyous cup run. However, there were some positives to take from the match, such as the performance of Ryan MacDonald.
Mallaig manager Jamie McGregor added: ‘It was a poor day at the office for Mallaig unfortunately, not quite turning in the performance that was deserving of a cup final. But we will move on.’
Mallaig do not have long to lick their wounds as they are in action again this Saturday away to Portree.