THREE goals in extra time were what was required for Newtonmore to see off rivals Lovat in the north semi-final of the Artemis Macaulay Cup at Braeview Park, Beauly on Saturday.
With the teams tied 0-0 at full time, there was still no clear evidence from the pattern of play as to how the match would ultimately unfold with Newtonmore having just shaded the first half and Lovat finishing strongly at the end of the second period.
For ‘More manager Paul John Mackintosh, however, the result was rarely in doubt – though he paid tribute to the tenacity of his opponents.
Mackintosh said: “I always felt that we were going to do it but in a tight game you never know. I felt our defence were secure and our keeper Norman Campbell was not really tested at all. Mind you we didn’t give Lovat keeper Stuart Macdonald much to worry about either until extra time.”
If victory was built on anything it was on a superb defensive display from all four of the Newtonmore outfield defenders with man of the match Steven Macdonald in particular putting in a faultless performance at half back.
At the other end too the Lovat defence played their part in this close encounter – and apart from one early strike from Fraser Mackintosh which was expertly swatted away by Lovat keeper Macdonald, the Newtonmore attack constituted no consistent threat to the Lovat goal.
Although both defences were on top the balance of play going forward was dictated to a great extent by the Newtonmore midfield with Michael Russell at full centre having the edge on his opposite number Danny Kelly.
Russell has only recently moved into the midfield from defence – ‘More were missing all three of their regular midfield starters through injury – but his energy and ability plus the fact that he capped off his display with a fine extra time goal must mean that he has made the full centre berth his own for the rest of the season.
Having had their best spell in the last ten minutes of normal time, Lovat might have been expected to carry this on into extra-time. In the event however they seemed to lose focus, perhaps pinning their hopes on a penalty shoot-out where on previous occasions international keeper Stuart Macdonald has consistently proved difficult to beat.
This time however it was not to be, and ironically, it was the Lovat keeper – so often a hero in the past – who must take his share of responsibility as he allowed an under-hit shot from ‘More frontman Jamie Robinson to squirm past him into the net for the opener.
Minutes later Robinson scored a second when he knocked home the rebound after Macdonald had blocked the initial strike from Iain Robinson. That goal effectively finished the game as a contest though Newtonmore did go on to make it 3-0 in the second half of extra-time thanks to a late solo effort by full centre Michael Russell.
Newtonmore now face Kyles Athletic in the final after the Tighnabruaich s ide clinched a 2-0 win over Oban Camanachd at Mossfield in the south semi-final.
Kyles striker Colin Macdonald did the damage with two simple early goals which left Camanachd chasing the game most of the afternoon – and despite testing keeper John Whyte with several close attempts, including one which struck the post, Kyles with Roddy Macdonald at half back had enough experience to see the game out to a successful conclusion.
Meanwhile Kinlochshiel moved up to lead the Marine Harvest Premier League after a 3-0 away win over Kilmallie.
Elsewhere in the premiership Kingussie defeated Glasgow Mid Argyll 3-0 while Glenurquhart’s disappointing 3-1 away loss to Lochaber now draws them into relegation territory.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here