Avoch made to fight for place in final

Avoch reached the Highland Amateur Cup final after a battling 2-1 victory against semifinal opponents Staxigoe United at Golspie’s King George V Park.

It took an extratime winner from Ian Penwright to seal victory for the six-time winners who had to come from behind in a closely contested tie.

There were chances at either end before the deadlock was broken midway through the first half.

Grant MacNab gave Staxigoe the lead in the 22nd minute with a well executed free kick that flew into the net.

But Avoch were back on level terms a couple of minutes later when

“It took an extra-time winner from Ian Penwright”

Rhys Shewan scored with a bullet header following a Jack MacKay corner.

There were no more goals in regulation time, although Bryan Reid thought he had restored Staxigoe’s lead in the 78th minute when he headed in a Danny Coghill cross only to be ruled offside.

But Avoch grabbed the winner in the 107th minute when Penwright scored with a superbly struck volley.

The other semi-final between Wick Groats and Pentland United went all the way.

Goals from Ryan Campbell and Ben Sinclair gave Groats a healthy 2-0 lead but United hit back with counters from James Murray and Shaun Forbes.

With no goals scored in extra-time it was down to penalties, which Groats won 5-3.

The final between Avoch and Wick Groats will be played on Saturday August 24 at Dudgeon Park.