The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Winners count the cost of victory
Newtonmore and Lovat enjoyed good away Marine Harvest Premiership wins but are counting the cost in terms of injured players.
Stuart Mitchell, the young Newtonmore player, had to have stitches in a gash above his eye after a freak incident in which an opponent’s stick came through his face grille in their 3-2 win over Caberfeidh at Strathpeffer.
Newtonmore manager Paul John Mackintosh said: “The blade managed to come through the grille and did the damage. It was an unusual incident and a pity for the lad who had been playing very well.
“We’re also awaiting an X-ray verdict on Drew Macdonald who was taken to hospital with a nasty ankle injury.”
Macdonald, who won the man of the match medal in the Camanachd Cup final last September, came on as substitute with 20 minutes to go and scored the winning goal in the 80th minute before suffering his injury.
Cabers led twice through Craig Morrison goals but Iain Robinson responded both times for the visitors.
Cabers boss Jodi Gorski said: “It was very frustrating as all three goals came from stupid mistakes. We threw away a good result.”
Lovat’s Scott Mackenzie, recently back from a broken wrist, was taken to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, after sustaining a broken knuckle in their 3-1 win over Lochaber at Spean Bridge.
Manager Fraser Gallacher said: “Scott will be out for several weeks.”
The win steers the Kiltarlity men to within two points of the top and came despite Shaun Nicholson robbing Calum Cruden to give Lochaber a quick lead. Greg Matheson’s sizzling half-backswing in to the top corner was a splendid equaliser. Marc MacLachlan hit a goal in each half. Gallacher said: “Marc’s confidence is back and he’d a great battle with Brennan Macdonald.”
Lochaber lost John Mackenzie through injury after only 20 minutes.