Lochaber look to youth following Premiership drop

Lochaber are set to say goodbye to the Premiership following tomorrow’s game with Oban Camanachd at Spean Bridge – and will go with a youth policy next season.

Michael Delaney’s men are two points behind Kilmallie, who still have a game to play, but the Caol club’s goal difference advantage is a massive 22 goals.

However, Delaney is determined to sign off with a flourish.

He said: “We accept that we can’t save ourselves because of the goal difference gap but this is our final outing and a point would take us past already relegated Inveraray, so that we don’t finish bottom.

“We started the season quite strongly but fell away because of persistent availability problems and serious injuries.

“We don’t have a second team so dropping down to the National Division will be positive for us in one respect, in being able to promote several of our under-17 side, which is the way ahead for us.

“We have good youngsters coming through who will get their chance next year.”

Lochaber won promotion in 2012 but, after six straight defeats, their stay in the top flight ends this weekend.

Oban skipper Daniel Cameron returns from a two-game suspension while Aidan MacIntyre and Daniel MacVicar are hopeful of comebacks.

Daniel MacVicar struck twice when they beat Lochaber 4-0 at Mossfield on May 25.

Manager Stephen Sloss knows that winning their last three games would lift them past second placed Lovat, who completed their programme by pipping Oban 1-0 at Kiltarlity last weekend.

A win would take Oban past last year’s final points total with two games, further underlining the Red and Blacks’ significant progress this year.

Oban’s Daniel Cameron