Golspie hold on for vital win
GOLSPIE Sutherland hauled themselves right back into contention in the North Caledonian League title race with a 2-1 victory over Alness United at King George V Park last Saturday.
The victory places Golspie eight points behind leaders Muir of Ord Rovers, but with two games in hand.
The home side got off to a flying start with two goals in the first seven minutes.
Ross Grant opened the scoring in the third minute when he swept home a Tommy Campbell cross in the fourth minute.
Shaun Kerr doubled the advantage when he helped an Aaron Smith corner into the net at the near post.
Golspie had claims for a penalty turned down shortly afterwards. Smith appeared to be fouled in the box, however, referee John Bicknell turned down the home side’s appeals.
Alness were not entirely out of things and Shaun Robertson fired a couple of warning shots over the Golspie crossbar as the visitors finished the first half strongly.
Former Golspie player Stuart Thomson, who took over from Andrew Maitland in the United goal at the start of the second half, pulled off a superb penalty save from Kerr early in the second half.
The visitors were spurred on by the miss and Scott MacAngus reduced the deficit on the hour mark when he hammered home a Robertson cross.
There were chances at both ends before the final whistle but Golspie held on for what could be a vital three points.
The Jock MacKay Memorial Cup semi-final tie between Dingwall Thistle and Thurso at Jubilee Park, Dingwall, was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch as was the scheduled league match between Halkirk United and Clachnacuddin at Recreation Park.
TOMORROW (Saturday) Golspie will be looking to make further in-roads when they take on league leaders Muir of Ord Rovers at King George V Park in what should be an intriguing battle.
Mike Sanderson will be missing but Shane Sutherland is poised for a return to action.
Fixtures, Saturday, February 25 – SWL Cup semi-final – 1.30pm - Alness United v Dingwall Thistle. League – 2pm – Balintore v Halkirk United; Golspie Sutherland v Muir of Ord Rovers.
