Injuries bigger concern for Newtonmore than cup draw

The extension of Newtonmore’s list of injured players is more of an immediate concern than being drawn away to Lovat in the MacTavish Cup semi-final.

The Eilan men will go in to tomorrow’s match with Caberfeidh at Strathpeffer with four out injured plus a fifth suspended.

Manager Paul John Mackintosh said: “The semi-final is what it is, the way our luck has being going we could hardly have expected a home draw.

“We usually have good games with Lovat, who we haven’t played this season yet, but May 19 is a bit away and that tie will take care of itself. We’re just scrapping week to week in our present situation and we’re very short of experienced players for the Cabers trip.”

Seasoned defender Norman Campbell has joined the casualty list with a groin strain, while Paul Macarthur is out with a hamstring problem.

They join Jamie Robinson and Craig Ritchie (injured), Steven Macdonald (ill) and Evan Menzies, who misses the second of his two-game suspension.

Ryan Mackay returns from suspension but Jamie Mathieson is out injured for Caberfeidh.

A minute’s silence will take place before the match in memory of former Caberfeidh player, manager and president Robbie Taylor, who died last weekend.

Lovat, who tackle Lochaber at Spean Bridge, can go joint second top if they win but Lorne Mackay is unavailable.

Manager Fraser Gal- lacher said: “Lorne gave us a choice of which weekend he would be out and we’ve opted for this one as Drew Howie is out next week.

“We have Scott Mackenzie and Chris Johnston back for the Lochaber trip and Martin Mainland came through a second-team outing last week and could return to the squad.

“As for the semi-final, neither Newtonmore or ourselves have any fear of each other, but we’re happy the tie is at Kiltarlity.”

Lochaber have a double blow with Brian Macdonald and Martin Johnston ruled out for work reasons but Duncan Mackinnon returns and manager Neil MacDonald will be among the substitutes for a match which could see his team leap three places in the table if they win.”