CUP shinty was to the fore once again this past weekend with the focus on the second round of the cottages.com MacTavish Cup where Glenurquhart defeated visitors Skye 2-1 at Drumnadrochit in what was arguably the tightest tie of the day in the north.
Having been relegated from shinty’s premier division at the end of last season both sides, under new management, are attempting to rebuild and, along with Fort William, make up the current top three in the Mowi National Division. Promotion is certainly the aim of Glenurquhart co-manager Eddie Tembo, though a successful cup run also excites him.
“People have been telling me this game was our first big test of the season – and I agree with them,” he said. “Skye will be disappointed not to get anything from the game because they are one of the top sides in the Division. It was certainly a tough match physically, and also mentally, and I’m happy we were able to come through it though we have picked up injuries to Ally MacKintosh and Michael Brady that may come back to haunt us.”
Though Glenurquhart eventually ran out winners they did not start out on the front foot, with slick stickwork from the Skye frontline pegging them back at the outset. Key to the Islanders’ early advantage was their midfield, particularly William MacKinnon and John Gillies, who gave them edge in the opening minutes. As a result Skye went ahead in the fifth minute when full-centre Gillies slipped the ball in behind defender Lachie Smith to winger Jordan Murchison and his first time volley flew past Glen keeper Stuart MacKintosh for the opener.
The Glen management quickly rigged their defensive line-up pulling pacy youngster Cameron MacKintosh back from midfield to cover Murchison’s explosive runs and gradually the midfield balance swung towards the home side. Indeed they might have levelled the score in 12 minutes but Ewen Brady’s well-worked strike came back off the bar. They were then thwarted again on two further occasions by Skye keeper Ryan Morrison, who first stopped a rocket shot from Brady before blocking a low net-bound strike from Glen wing centre Finlay Ralston. Eventually, however, the Islanders ran out of luck when in the 26th minute half-forward Conor Golabek set up Glen frontman Neale Reid and he fired home the equaliser.
Though Glenurquhart continued to press they were unable to add to their total before the break, while at the other end Skye exerted their own pressure with a Gillies shot from distance again forcing the Glen keeper into action. After the break however, Glenurquhart seized control of the match once more, grabbing their winner in the 51st minute after a cross-filed ball was cut back by winger Oliver Black into the path of Golabek and he struck the ball in from close range to seal the game and see his side safely through to the semi -final draw.
There Glen will be joined by Kingussie, who posted a 3-1 home victory over fellow Premiership side Lovat. Also through are Strathglass who defeated Beauly 3-2 away.
Meanwhile in the south area in the Scottish Seafarms Glasgow Celtic Society Cup, Kyles Athletic, Oban Camanachd and Glasgow Mid Argyll made it through to the next round at the expense of Bute, Oban Celtic and Ballachulish respectively.
Finally in the Mowi Premiership Newtonmore beat Lochaber 6-1 away while Kilmallie lost 1-0 at Kinlochshiel.
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