WEEK 13 - HALKIRK WIN THROWS TITLE RACE WIDE OPEN; STAXIGOE WRAP UP DIVISION 2 TITLE

The race for the county division one title hotted up this week with two of the top four losing and John O’Groats continuing their spurt up the table. JOG’s fifth straight win – a 3-0 home success over Castletown – enabled them to leapfrog Pentland United into third after the Dunnet side’s 3-0 reverse away to Rovers. Swifts stay in pole position despite losing at Halkirk and need to end JOG’s run at the Dammies on Monday if they are to keep their championship drive on track.

The end-of-the-road outfit made light of what looked a tough assignment on Wednesday. After an even start in their match versus Castletown, they drew first blood on 20 minutes. The opening was made by a bustling run from Grant Budge whose cutback fell to an opposing player only for Stuart Sinclair (the elder) to nip in and rifle a shot past keeper Lee Kirk.

The visitors were starting to get the upper hand when they were dealt a sucker blow in the last action before the interval. Budge put Grant Campbell into space down the left flank and his feed into the box was converted by Calum Campbell.

JOG’s Sean Munro struck the bar with a header before they went 3-0 up on the hour-mark when Budge was played in and he steered a left-foot drive wide of Kirk. Castletown should have narrowed the deficit when Scott Mackay Steven shot straight at keeper Shaun Henderson when put in the clear. Alan Farquhar, who was playing up front, also missed the target with another good opening as Castletown saw their already slim title hopes vanish into the ether.

Pentland United lost ground after coming a cropper in Wick against a resurgent Rovers on Wednesday. A late Paul MacDonald strike earned Sanders Harper’s combination a 3-2 win which helps put daylight between them and bottom-placed Thurso Pentland. MacDonald was just wide with a first minute effort before Gary MacLeod passed up a decent chance carved out by Mark Begg.

United went in front on 14 minutes when MacLeod’s driven cross from the right was side-footed home in by Begg. Tony Farquhar then twice tested Rovers keeper Mark Aitken before Gary Coghill was denied by a good block from United’s Michael Gray. In a free-flowing encounter, Begg and Coghill failed to cash in on decent openings before Steven Morris forced Aitken into a spectacular, one-handed tip over the bar.

The equaliser came on 56 minutes when Coghill played in Lee Lyall who beat Gray with a low shot. The pendulum swing back to the visitors 20 minutes when Morris threaded the ball through a ruck of players past Aitken. A minute later, Rovers were awarded a penalty when John Skinner’s balk on Kieran Duffy was adjudged to be in the box and Colin Davidson did the needful. Three minutes later, Rovers were mobbing MacDonald after he wheeled away after netting with a low, 25 yarder.

Swifts were on the end of an upset when they went down 1-0 to a spirited Halkirk side. Though missing a handful of first picks, the Wildcats defended stoutly throughout as well as posing a threat going forward. They were fortunate not to trail after 20 minutes when visiting striker Mark Nichol struck a post with a venomous volley from 12 yards.

Home keeper Lee Allan was then forced into a reaction stop to keep out a headed effort from Blair McIntosh. Halkirk’s Andrew Bremner headed narrowly over and Paul Mackay struck a post at the other end. Swifts keeper Brian Mackay was fortunate his fumble of a long-ranger from Stevie Campbell did not prove terminal.

The visitors stepped up a gear after just before half-time with Nigel MacKenzie and Lee MacDougall combining and Nichol inches away from applying the final touch. Halkirk thought they had taken the lead 10 minutes after the interval when Liam Bremner’s inadvertent assist was tucked away by Johnny Mackay. The celebrations were however stilled by an offside ruling. Swifts then had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down after Andrew Bremner appeared to haul down Nichol.

Swifts went on to enjoy good spells of possession though their goal threat was largely contained to several shots from distance by MacKenzie and McIntosh. The winner arrived on 70 minutes when the home side gained possession from a Swifts corner and quickly broke upfield. Gavin Bremner and Matthew Mackay exchanged passes before Michael Bremner was released towards goal. He fended off Danny Riddell before manufacturing a chip from 25 yards over Mackay and in off a post.

Staxigoe United wrapped up the division two title with two matches to spare following their 3-0 win over Lybster. The celebrations began soon after the final whistle when they learned of Acks’ 1-0 defeat to Keiss, a result which ensured the new boys could not be caught. Lybster had long spells of possession as they played with a near galeforce wind at their backs at Lower Bignold. The visitors however did not create much at the business end and trailled at the interval to a well-struck 25 yarder from Liam Bremner after 10 minutes.

Lybster were under the cosh after the resumption and Bremner took advantage of the conditions to score direct from a corner – the third time this season the youngster has achieved the feat. Fifteen minutes from time, United were awarded a penalty after Bremner was downed in the box. The striker was denied a possible hat-trick when Andrew Banks was first to claim the ball and he duly converted the spot-kick.

The race is now on for the promotion play-off place with Keiss putting themselves right back in the running after their defeat of Acks at the Dammies. In a first half of precious few chances, Colin MacKenzie went the closest with a powerful shot from just outside the box which struck the bar with Acks’ keeper Andrew Lannon beaten. The only goal of the game came 15 minutes after half-time when James Harris found space down the right before cutting inside and delivering a chip-shot from wide out which beat Lannon on his near post.

Keiss, who fielded uber-veterans Gordie Robertson and Kenny Cormack, defended well in the face of some concerted spells of pressure. But it was Lannon who was the harder-worked keeper and he was forced to make several smart stops to prevent the visitors scoring again before the end.

Acks bounced back in Wick on Monday when they got their noses back in the frame with a hard-earned 3-1 victory over Francis Street Club.The Thurso men went ahead against the run of play when Michael Mackay fouled in the box and Murray Coghill tucked away the spot-kick. They doubled their advantage after 25 minutes when Mackay’s night went from bad to worse when he contrived to head a corner past keeper Andy Harper. Five minutes later, FSC deservedly got one back when Nathan Mackay registered his fifth goal in six games with a sublime 25 yarder past Lannon.

Dave Coull was inches away from squaring things up before the interval with a fierce volley. Both sides had half-chances in the second half before the Thurso men grabbed a killer third goal a minute from the end. Just before, David Hale had missed a sitter when he headed Gary Coghill’s cross over when presented with an unguarded net. FSC were then caught on a break as they pressed for an equaliser and Murray Mackintosh finished off a length-of-the-park counter.

While Swifts slumped to their first league defeat of the season, Top Joe’s tasted victory for the first time – in their final fixture.Top scorer Steven Lowe grabbed three as they got home by the odd goal in seven away to Lybster.

After Alan Henderson put the home side in front with a deflected effort, TJ’s hit back with goals either side of the break from Lowe. The first was a classy effort – a surge from the halfway line capped by a well-crafted 25 yarder and the second a free-kick. TJs went further clear after Mark Hutcheon netted before Lowe got his third with a penalty after Donald Henderson fouled in the box. Lybster regrouped with Graham Sutherland getting one back before Danny Gunn converted Nathan Lightley’s cross to make for a tense finale.

WEEK 12 - JOHN O'GROATS FINE LEAGUE FORM CONTINUES

John O’Groats’ swashbuckling form in the county first division continued this week as they came from behind to defeat holders Pentland United 2-1. The victory at Ham Park was their fourth on the bounce after a misfiring start to a campaign in which they lost three of their first four matches. They may just have too much ground to make up in the race for the title but they are sure to have a big say in the run-in.

Ref Graham Elder had a tough task keeping the lid on a highly charged contest which produced one sending-off and a flurry of yellow cards. JOG were hard-done by going in at the interval behind after enjoying the lion’s share of possession. Ref Elder waved away claims of a penalty when Sean Henstridge appeared to be balked by keeper Michael Gray as he chased a long through-ball on 20 minutes.

Grant Budge was then inches away from connecting with a teasing Alan Davis cross while Sean Munro nodded an unchallenged header wide of the target. A couple of dangerous sorties early on was the extent of United’s goal threat until they went ahead a minute from the interval.

Neat link-up play by Stevie Morris helped win space for James Skinner who strode forward and let fly from 20 yards. His swerving shot was well struck but should have been dealt with by keeper Shaun Henderson. Instead the keeper let the ball slip through his hands and spin over the line. Henderson ’s night almost took a further turn for the worse when he was beaten to a high ball by Morris whose header flashed narrowly wide.

A more even tussle materialised after the turnaround and Morris missed a golden chance to double his side’s lead on 65 minutes, He muffed what should have been a simple finish with Mark Begg dragging the follow-up wide. Two minutes later, the pattern of the game changed when Skinner was shown a second yellow card for a scything challenge on Martin Sinclair. The man advantage allowed JOG to re-establish their earlier dominance in the middle of the park.

They drew level on 73 minutes when Grant Budge’s trickery wrong footed Gary Mackay and ended with the defender clipping the JOG’s man trailing leg. Grant Campbell netted the resultant spot-kick low to Gray’s right. Within a minute, United came mighty close to restoring their lead with Tony Farquhar losing his bearings as he rose unopposed to head Gary Bell’s free-kick half-a-metre wide.

A rare error by United sweeper John Skinner then let in Martin Sinclair whose shot came back off the legs of keeper Gray. The winner came with three minutes left when Campbell’s quickly-taken short free-kick ended with Mark Munro’s cross being headed powerfully wide of Gray by Henstridge.

Another team running into form are Castletown who, like JOG, are trying to play catch-up after a poor start to the season. They were not flattered by the 4-1 margin of their win in Wick versus Rovers on Monday. Sanders Harper’s outfit were under-strength with teenager Kieran Duffy again filling in between the sticks.

They were chasing shadows in a first half with the visitors unable to reflect their dominance, where it mattered, on the scoreboard. They created a regular flow of chances with Scott Mackay Steven and Gary Calder most culpable in the non-conversion stakes. All they had to show for their first half effort was a tap-in from Ross Sutherland seven minutes from the break.

When Alan Farquhar ran on to finish off Graham MacDonald’s assist a minute after the resumption, it looked curtains for the homesters, but they were given a lifeline thanks to a stunning 30 yarder from Lewis Harrold which beat keeper Lee Kirk all ends-up.

The strike gave Rovers renewed heart as they sought to salvage something from the game. Duffy did well to deny MacDonald while Mackay Steven hit a post before Stevie Reid was inches away at the other end from converting a free-kick 10 minutes from the end. Castletown made sure of victory when MacKay Steven finally netted five minutes from time and Stuart Florence claimed the last after his deep cross hit a post before going in off Duffy.

Swifts remain top though they were fully stretched before getting home 5-4 versus town rivals Pentland. Pentland went ahead twice and led 4-3 with 12 minutes to go as they fought tooth-and-nail for their first point of the season.

Mark Nichol finished off a well-executed move to give Swifts an early advantage and then restored their lead after Stuart Hamilton had struck with a deflected effort. A chip from Andrew Richardson and a spectacular own goal from Martyn Cook put Pentland 3-2 in front 15 minutes from half-time.

Nigel MacKenzie and Lee MacDougall passed up decent chances to equalise before MacKenzie was fortunate to escape with a booking for a petutant kick directed at Michael Foubister.

Five minutes into the second half, Cook atoned for his earlier gaffe with a sumptuous 35 yard lofted shot which caught out keeper Murray Mackay. Back came Pentland as a long-range punt from Mackay on the edge of the opposing box was steered by Richardson wide of keeper Graham Miller.

Pentland blew a marvellous chance to make it 5-3 when Hamilton sprung the offside trap and ran through unopposed on Miller. Hamilton’s indecisiveness proved his undoing as he failed to take responsibility and ended up passing the ball forward to Richardson, who was offside.

Swifts drew level when MacDougall’s cross produced a far-post finish for sub Derek Munro. Seven minutes from time, former Pentland player Michael Petrie came back to haunt his old side as he surged through to tuck the ball wide of Mackay for the winner.

Wick Groats remain two points off Swifts following their 3-1 win over Halkirk at Upper Bignold on Tuesday. Groats enjoyed a busy start and took a 15 th minute lead when Greg Shearer’s corner was headed home by Jimmy Budge in the face of opposition claims that it had not crossed the line.

They passed up several half-chances to add to their lead before finding themselves back level. Halkirk finished off a good spell with a goal from Russell Bain who pivoted on the edge of the opposition box before sending a firm left-footer outside the reach of keeper Graeme Williamson.

Halkirk were looking the livelier side in the run-up to the break but the villagers had the wind taken out of their sails when they conceded twice soon after the turnaround. Andrew Bremner’s crude barge into Jimmy Budge in the box was penalised and Budge duly tucked away the spot-kick. Five minutes later, neat interplay between Greg Shearer and Andrew Cumming teed up Sandy Sutherland who found the far left-hand corner from 12 yards.

Keiss climbed into second spot in the second division after a 3-1 home win over Francis Street on Monday. The village side bossed the first half but were unable to find a way past visiting keeper Andrew Harper. Colin MacKenzie went closest in the opening minutes with his early long-ranger clattering back off the bar. Perry Campbell also forced two good stops from Harper as well as hitting a post with another strike.

FSC stung their hosts soon after the interval when former Wick Academy favourite Gordie Robertson soured his latest comeback for his village side with an uncharacteristic mistake.

He was short with a pass-back into his own box, resulting in keeper Alan Stewart racing out and taking the legs from an onrushing opponent. Stewart was red-carded and watched as his replacement, FSC old boy George Baker was beaten by Nathan Mackay’s penalty.

That threatened to turn the contest on its head but Keiss battled back to equalise on 55 minutes when Campbell outstripped the cover defence before stepping past Harper. They went in front 13 minutes later thanks to a low, raking shot from MacKenzie. The 10 men made sure of victory 10 minutes from time when Campbell’s perseverance on the edge of the box won him possession before he rifled a shot past the keeper.

Wick Thistle warmed up on Wednesday for their crunch match versus Acks next week with a 10-0 rout of Top Joe’s. The first half was topped and tailed by goals from Greg Gunn and Marc Gunn, but TJs were buried without trace as the home side ran riot in a second half, which was highlighted by a cracking second for Greg Gunn. Darren Shepherd notched a hat-trick with the other goals falling to Gordie MacNab (2), Tony Miller and Gary Swanson.

Thistle had earlier bounced back from three straight defeats with a 6-3 win over Francis Street Club The Jags looked on easy street after scoring four unopposed goals but FSC rallied to make a real contest of it. They went ahead after FSC’s stand-in keeper Craig MacNeill failed to hold   Greg Gunn’s cross, giving Mark Shepherd a tap-in. Marc Gunn then scored with a fine solo effort before getting his second before the break with a 25 yarder which took a deflection to flummox MacNeill.

When Andrew Falconer netted a simple fourth soon after the interval, there seemed no way back for FSC, but a minute later, Stewart Crowe reduced the deficit after he poked the ball home after Jags’ keeper David Miller had saved his first attempt. Soon after, Brian Reid and Gavin Manson combined for a menacing attack which resulted in Gavin Fairweather putting through his own goal.

Marc Gunn steadied the ship for Thistle with a switcher of a free-kick to put his side 5-2 up.Miller was then to the fore in keeping out Graham Scollay’s penalty after the latter had been hauled down in the box by Fairweather. FSC kept plugging away and Nathan Mackay made it 5-3 before the scoring was ended when Bobby Gunn netted Angus Mackay’s deep cross.

WEEK 11 - BUDGE STRIKES AGAIN TO DENT GROATS TITLE CHALLENGE

Lightning struck twice for Wick Groats on Wednesday night after they were again victims of a late sting on a foray to John O’ Groats. It was very much a case of Groundhog Day with the league match mirroring the script of last week’s cup semi-final in the village. It again finished 2-1 for JOG thanks to another last-gasp winner from Grant Budge.

The game had started on a high for the home troops as they went in front on five minutes. Mark Munro was sent racing down the left touch-line by Stuart Sinclair (the younger) with Stuart Sinclair (the elder) providing the link for Martin Sinclair to bullet a shot past keeper Graeme Williamson.

The visitors gradually took control though they were fortunate not to concede again when Munro set up Stuart Sinclair (the elder) for an unopposed header which he could not direct on target. Wick Groats got on terms on the half-hour mark with Greg Shearer’s corner being turned in at the near post by Kevin Miller.

The second half produced precious few clearcut chances with a draw looking likely until a late flurry of goalmouth action. Andy Cumming sent a header inches wide, with JOG keeper Shaun Henderson beaten. The winner came two minutes from full-time when Budge stole a march on his marker to convert Grant Campbell’s tantalising cross at the near post.

Leaders Swifts were unable to capitalise on the defeat as they conceded late on to draw 2-2 in Wick versus Rovers. Mark Nichol and Martyn Cook both fired wide from decent positions in between a decent free-kick attempt from Rovers youngster Lewis Harrold.

The Thurso men were well on top but were hit by a sucker punch two minutes from the interval when Colin Davidson stole upfield to head home Stevie Reid’s free-kick. Visiting keeper Graham Miller then did well to pouch a lofted effort from Paul MacDonald.

Davidson was at the heart of an impressive rearguard action though it could not prevent Nichol equalising on 54 minutes with the striker rising to net Lee MacDougall’s assist. Makeshift keeper Kieran Duffy stood up well to a Nigel MacKenzie drive and Reid hit the bar with a free-kick at the other end in a more evenly contested second half.

Swifts took the lead on 65 minutes when Nichol nailed a 25 yard free-kick. The Thurso side had Miller to thank for staying in front when he back-pedalled to make a full-stretch gather following a defensive mix-up five minutes from the end. Davidson earned a valuable point for his side a minute from time when he beat Miller with a powerful strike from just outside the box. Rovers could have grabbed an unlikely win had Euan Jappy been able to convert either the two run-ins he had with the keeper in injury-time.

The points dropped by the top two has breathed fresh life into Pentland United’s title defence. They are now just three off the top following their hard-earned 3-2 win away to Thurso Pentland on Monday evening.

Ref John Munro awarded two penalties at either end in the opening quarter. A handball offence resulted in Adam Sutherland putting the home men in front. It was all-square after Tony Farquhar responded in kind after Sutherland was adjudged to have balked Derek Manson in the box.

United took a firm hold of the game with two goals in the five minutes before the interval with Stevie Morris punishing uncertain defending with deadly finishes. Gary Bell’s deep cross was the source of his first while the striker then   seized on a half-hit clearance to net with another rasping drive past keeper Reid Anderson. Anderson went on to make good blocks to deny Morris, Darryn Mackay and Mark Begg.

The home side had plenty of possession but seldom threatened Michael Gray’s goal until 12 minutes from the end when Gavin Sutherland’s deflected shot from outside the box looped over the keeper into the net.

It was black Wednesday for Halkirk after their weakened side suffered a real doing on their own turf. Their 7-0 reverse to Castletown could have been worse as they had shipped six before the interval. Castletown continued their recent impressive form with Alan Farquhar and Scott Mackay Steven proving a class double act.

Within two minutes, the leaky home defence had conceded with Gary Calder nodding in at the far post from Chris Sutherland’s delivery. Farquhar set up Stuart Florence for the second before Sutherland converted a penalty after Calder had been floored by Andrew Bremner in the box.

Graham Swanson forced a save from visiting keeper Lee Kirk before a Sutherland volley made it 4-0. The next two goals both fell to Halkirk players as the home defence disintegrated in the face of constant pressure. Bremner’s desperate attempt to prevent Sutherland’s cross reaching Calder succeeded only in turning the ball into his own net.Gavin Sutherland was then on a different wavelength to stand-in keeper Graham Gunn as his would-be pass-back made it goal number six.

Halkirk steadied the ship after the interval with Swanson seeing a header cleared off the line. Calder and sub Stuart MacKenzie then went close before the latter survived an offside appeal to latch in to Calder’s through-ball and round Gunn to complete the scoring in the final minute.

Staxigoe United are fast closing in on the division two title. The further boosted their prodigious goals-for tally after romping to a 5-0 win over Wick Thistle. The Jags, the only team to take points from the newcomers, were never at the races in Monday’s match and were lucky not to have incurred a more embarrassing reverse.

United had already had two penalty claims rejected and struck the woodwork before Gavin Cormack headed them into a 15 th minute lead. Grant MacNab’s spectacular 20 yarder doubled the advantage before the interval. Thistle’s chances receded further when Marc Gunn picked up a second booking after he disputed a decision. Grant MacNab got a second and Liam Bremner and Grant MacNab also found the target as United went nap.

With United homing in on the title, Acks and Keiss this week stole a march on Thistle in their respective bids to at least bag the play-off position. Acks scored a goal in each half to win 2-0 at Lybster.

David MacGregor’s team played some delightful football in the first half which they bossed from start to finish. They went ahead on 15 minutes after a zippy move down the right involving Gary Coghill, David Hale and Jack Halliday. The sequence looked to have fizzled out when Hale crossed straight at the keeper but the latter’s fumble gave Liam Wann a free gift which he accepted.

Paul Wares threatened with a volley and a curling free-kick and Halliday also went close with a long ranger as Acks continued to press. They doubled their advantage 10 minutes after the interval when Wann scored with a looping header from Hale’s deep cross.  A number of subsequent near-things for Acks featured a snap-shot from Wann which cracked back off the crossbar to deny the teenager his first hat-trick in senior football.

Keiss meanwhile racked up their third win in a row despite having two men red-carded in their 5-1 victory over Tope Joe’s at Ormlie. The villagers seized the early initiative with Andy Harris heading them in front before Perry Campbell was put clear to make it 2-0.

Campbell grabbed a second with a finely-judged lob from the edge of the area before Dave Stockton reduced the deficit with a header. Keiss pulled clear though a tap-in from Polish teenager Lucas Rokita and a fine finish from James W. Ross.

The gloss was taken off their victory following red cards shown in quick succession late on to Rokita, for retaliation, and Campbell, for a second booking. TJs’ Brett Morris was also dismissed for his dissent at being refused permission to play as he was not listed as a sub on the team-sheet.

Earlier, TJs were a couple of minutes away from recording their first win of the campaign. After a goal-less first half at home to Francis Street Club, Barry Mackay fired them in front 10 minutes after the turnaround. Graeme Taylor then netted a header as TJs looked a good bet to break their duck.

A lengthy injury stoppage helped FSC regroup and after getting one back 10 minutes from time, they mounted a late blitz to force an equaliser. TJs’ resistance broke two minutes from the end when Martin Mackay’s sclaffed an attempted clearance into his own net.

WEEK 10 - JOHN O'GROATS & SWIFTS EMERGE FROM TOUGH SEMI FINALS

John O’Groats and Swifts face a noon showdown in Halkirk tomorrow with the first silverware of the county season on offer to the victors. Groats will be bidding to retain the Eain Mackintosh Cup, which provided them with their first top-flight trophy last term after they defeated Pentland United in the final. The Thurso side will meanwhile be aiming to get their hands on the cup for the first time in its 23 year history. Veteran ref Bob Wheatcroft will be in charge of a county match for the last time before his move away from his adopted county later this year. The two sides both had difficult passages through in their respective semis earlier this week. Grant Budge’s goal 30 seconds from the end of extra-time saw the villagers squeeze home 2-1 at home to Wick Groats.

The sides produced a humdinger of a match in a night of persistent rain on a greasy, uneven surface. A bright start by the visitors was punctured when they fell a goal behind on 22 minutes. A through ball from Stuart Sinclair (the younger) should have been claimed by Graeme Williamson but the keeper lost control of what should have been a meat-and-drink gather. Sean Henstridge was quick to seize on the gaffe and he centred for Stuart Sinclair (the elder) to sweep the ball in from the edge of the six yard box.

That swung the pendulum JOG’s way with Graham Tait free-kick testing Williamson and Grant Budge going close with a near-post header from a corner.Wick Groats levelled five minutes from the interval when Alan Larnach’s 25 yard free-kick beat keeper Shaun Henderson on his nearside post.That sparked a purple patch for the town outfit either side of the interval with Jimmy Budge sending an unchallenged header wide from close in and then having another aerial effort touched over by Henderson. From midway through the second half, JOG took charge, forcing their opponents increasingly deep and limiting their attacks to the occasional counter.

Sub Mark Munro added menace to JOG’s threat on the left wing and he was just off-target with a lob on 73 minutes. Wick Groats came close to snatching the lead six minutes later when Sandy Sutherland’s half-hit strike from a corner needed the merest touch from Kevin Miller to count. As full-time approached, tempers flared on both sides with ref Graham John flourishing a clutch of yellow cards for rash tackles and dissent.

The first chance in extra-time fell to Martin Sinclair who almost capitalised after Williamson blasted a clearance straight at him. Wick Groats had two decent attempts on goal with Christopher Taylor’s long-ranger drawing a full-stretch save from Henderson and Jimmy Budge unable to turn in an assist from the tireless Sandy Sutherland. Grant Campbell, who was outstanding in midfield, then created space for Stuart Sinclair (the elder) who would have scored but for a last-ditch block.

A penalty shoot-out was looming when JOG notched the clincher. From a corner, the immediate danger seemed over when Williamson dived to parry Martin Sinclair’s shot but the ball was never properly cleared and Grant Budge found space to wheel round and lash the ball low into the right corner of the net.

Swifts meanwhile faced a battle royale before getting home 5-3 in their semi versus town rivals Acks on Tuesday evening. David MacGregor’s young side fought tooth-and-nail and were never out of the contest until Lee MacDougall scored direct from a corner in the last minute. The second division outfit were twice ahead and their hard-working teenage brigade ensured Swifts were never allowed to settle.

Acks survived a scare when Mark Nichol miscued from point-blank range before taking a 13 th minute lead when David Hale was played in to slide the ball past keeper Brian Mackay. Swifts replied five minutes later when opposition keeper Neal Clark battered a would-be clearance off the incoming MacDougall who got the break of the ball before netting.

Clark did well to hold a Nichol drive before his side regained the advantage on 26 minutes after Jack Halliday was pushed in the box by veteran defender Willie Steven. Murray Coghill potted the spot-kick though within a minute Swifts were level again with Des MacLeod teeing up Nichol for a cracking volley.

The goal fest continued on 32 minutes when the Swifts pair combined again with Nichol controlling MacLeod’s assist before sweeping a power drive behind Clark. Jamie MacKenzie was just off-target after a solo run as Swifts for the first time looked set to take charge. But Acks battled back with sub Murray Mackintosh’s first touch being a sumptuous drive which Mackay did well to claw over off his crossbar.

They went in on terms at the interval after Danny Riddell was woefully shot with a pass-back to allow Liam Wann to run through and beat Mackay with a measured injury-time finish.

Nichol twice went close soon after the turnaround before Paul Bain forced a fine save from Mackay on 61 minutes. Swifts had another let-off when Mackintosh could not finish when put in the clear on the D of the penalty box. Acks were furious on 77 minutes when an apparent foul on Chris Wann went unpunished, allowing Nichol to forge down the right and set up MacLeod to make it 4-3.

Their feeling of injustice grew when Bain appeared to be pushed in the back by sub Nigel MacKenzie as he charged into the opposition penalty box. MacLeod went on to miss a sitter at the other end before MacDougall’s outrageous late strike.

Back-to-back wins have allowed Staxigoe United to pull eight points clear at the top of the county league division two. The new boys have still to taste defeat in the league and are short-odds favourites to be competing in the top flight next term. They did not have it all their own way in their joust with Lower Bignold co-tenants Francis Street Club before winning through 2-0.

FSC competed well but rode their luck when Liam Bremner missed two decent early chances for United. The striker raced through and rounded keeper Andy Bremner but was forced wide and his shot came back off a post. Bremner sent another decent chance over before his side broke the deadlock midway through the half.

FSC’s Brian Reid attempt to play a pacy, diagonal through-ball back to Harper ended up in the back of the net. Harper prevented United going two up early in the second period when he managed to get fingertips to tip over a venomous Graham MacNab volley from Luke Sawyer’s cross.

United keeper Daniel Budge then did well to turn a free-kick from Craig Henderson on to his bar and beyond for a corner. Budge’s long clearance led to the second goal with defender Steven MacCallum deceived by the bounce of the ball to allow Sawyer to net with a half-volley from the edge of the box. FSC almost got one back when Reid played in Nathan Mackay whose snap-shot shaved past the upright.

Staxigoe on Monday ran riot against a hapless Top Joe’s outfit, who shipped 13 unanswered goals against the rampant village side. Peter Niwa struck within a couple of minutes and it was thereafter a stroll in the park for United. Grant MacNab bagged a hat-trick with Graham MacNab, Sawyer, Bremner and Colin Sinclair all grabbing doubles and Gavin Cormack completing the rout.

Keiss moved into joint second spot when they completed a league double over Lybster on Monday. Dean Salim notched the winner in a game played in Keiss on a dour night of persistent rain and which ended shrouded in thick fog.Colin MacKenzie fired Keiss into a 15 th minute lead from the penalty spot after Gordon Steven had been felled in the box. Lybster restored parity within 15 minutes when stand-in home keeper James W. Ross rashly deserted his box to contest a through ball.It allowed Nathan Lightley to finish off a powerful forward surge to nip the ball round the keeper and net from a tight angle. The winner came less than five minutes from the interval when a James Harris effort was parried into the air by the Lybster keeper. MacKenzie won the contest for the ball to allow Salim to head into the empty net.

WEEK 9 - HAT-TRICK HERO NICHOL KEEPS SWIFTS ONTOP

Swifts and Wick Groats upped the ante in their pursuit of the county division one title with impressive wins in this week’s round of matches. Mark Nichol hit a hat-trick as Swifts recovered from a horror start to post a 3-1 victory over 2007 champions Castletown at the Dammies. A marvellous late strike from Sandy Sutherland meanwhile helped Groats become the first side in many years to score two victories in the same campaign on the home turf of title holders Pentland United.

Castletown’s ‘domestic’ form has been patchy this year with their cause not helped by having a clutch of key men out through injury. With the casualty list now all but cleared up, the Quarrymen look well-equipped to put spokes in the wheels of any of the championship contenders. They made a grandstand start at the Dammies on Monday and should have been two or three nil ahead within 20 minutes.

With Swifts at sixes and sevens, Alan Farquhar and Scott Mackay Steven were regularly given licence to roam free in the final third of the park. The pair combined beautifully for Mackay Steven to steer an angled shot past stand-in keeper Brian Mackay for the opener on 15 minutes.

Before then, Pher Nicolson had miscued from in front of a gaping net after a looping cross had rebounded off the bar while Farquhar also missed a snip. Mackay Steven sent another decent opportunity just wide before the home side equalised with their first attack on 22 minutes. There seemed nothing on when the striker unleashed a 25 yarder which went in off the underside of the bar.

That steadied the ship for Swifts and Des MacLeod twice went close before Michael Petrie played in Nichol to put Swifts in front 12 minutes after the interval. Nichol then produced a full-stretch save from Chris Sutherland but was not to be denied his hat-trick which arrived 13 minutes from time. Nichol appeared to have been forced too wide but his improvised low shot flashed across Sutherland to nestle in the far corner of the net. Midway through the second half, keeper Mackay escaped what looked like being a mandatory red card when he was pinged for carrying the ball outside his box.

Wick Groats remain hard on the heels of Swifts after a second win at Ham Park in the space of a fortnight. As with the Highland Cup joust, both teams were hindered by a gusty wind blowing down the pitch. A spunky start by United petered out as the visitors, playing down the slope, started to dominate possession and apply sustained spells of pressure on the home defence. United’s threat was confined to the setpiece though Groats, for all their pressing, struggled to carve out clearcut chances.

The second half proved better matched and United would have gone in front had Derek Manson not had to over-stretch as he connected with a neat flick-on by Tony Farquhar. Groats failed to convert a couple of half-chances and the game appeared destined to finish goal-less before Sutherland struck with less than five minutes left.Gary MacGregor cut in from the left and played the ball to the striker who was given the freedom to turn 20 yards out before burying a fulsome drive into the left-hand corner of Michael Gray’s goal.

The defeat leaves Swifts as the league’s only unbeaten side, Thurso Pentland remain bottom of the pile, still searching for their first point at the halfway stage. Ally Fraser’s men dominated Monday’s home clash with Halkirk from start to finish but still contrived to come out 3-1 losers.

The visitors were gifted a first minute opener when Michael Foubister was short with a would-be headed pass-back and Lee Elder nipped in to fire past a fit-again Reid Anderson. Halkirk were firmly under the cosh in the first half with Andrew Richardson and James McLean just off target with powerful headers and Stuart Hamilton dragging a shot wide from prime position. Anderson did well to prevent Elder grabbing a second before opposite number Lee Allan pulled off a marvellous double stop to deny Hamilton. Pentland went close again a couple of time before Richardson levelled when he met Gavin Sutherland’s cross with a looping header.

Halkirk’s teenage sub Liam Mackay made an immediate impact when a sparky run and accurate cross set up Ian Adamson to make it 2-1. A scrambled finish Graham Gunn 10 minutes from time sealed a hit-and-run victory for the Blackcats.

Rovers’ scheduled clash with John O’Groats on Wednesday was the first weather casualty of the season because of water lying on Upper Bignold.

Wick Thistle’s second division title hopes suffered a setback when they went down 3-1 at home to Keiss. The Jags may have played the silkier football but they lacked the cutting edge displayed by their opponents. Thistle fell behind midway through the first half when Colin MacKenzie was cut down in full flight as he raced into the penalty box. Chris Gunn was extremely lucky he was only cautioned and able to stay on the park to watch MacKenzie convert the resultant penalty kick.

The Jags drew level with the last action before the interval when Gordon MacNab’s pace took him clear of his marker before he rounded keeper Perry Campbell to score. Dean Salim restored the visitors’ lead when he stabbed the ball in from close-in after James W. Ross’s free-kick was only partially cleared. Keiss defended stoutly under sustained pressure and they made sure of all three points when MacKenzie latched on to a long clearance to home in for the second of the evening. The victory was slightly soured by Ross’s dismissal late on after he was shown a second yellow card for kicking the ball away after the whistle.

Acks leapfrogged Thistle into second spot after racking up a 3-0 win over Top Joe’s at Ormlie. David MacGregor’s outfit capped a bright start when they took the lead after 15 minutes. An attempted clearance from Liam Wann’s corner left keeper Kenneth MacElroy in no man’s land and Murray Coghill netted with a looping header.

Acks continued to dominate and Stephen Clark passed up a great chance to make it 2-0 when he blasted a left-foot effort wide after put in the clear after good work by Chris and Liam Wann.   TJ’s conceded again on the hour-mark when they were caught short-handed by a quick-fire counter from one of their corners. Chris Wann freed Kyle Innes who coolly ran through to step past McElroy and pass into the net. TJ’s ran out of steam in the closing stages with Liam Wann and David Hale both seeing efforts come off the goal-frame and McElroy doing well to deny Jack Halliday. Acks’ sub Murray MacKintosh got the third with the last kick of the game, making space for himself just outside the box before executing an inch-perfect chip.

Lybster are celebrating their first win of the season after scoring three without reply at home to a lacklustre Francis Street Club. Several newcomers have pepped up the villagers and they were short-changed by reaching the interval all-square. They had squandered a glut of clear openings before Nathan Lightley’s volley put them in front soon after the turnaround. Michael Gunn made it 2-0 after he grabbed the follow-up to a smart save from FSC’s over-worked keeper Andy Harper. A header from Lightley completed a good night for John Ross’s young charges.

The Caithness flag-bearers in the MacLeod IFA Highland Amateur Cup are widely dispersed as they set their sights on claiming quarter-final spots in the tourney.   Only Castletown are at home where they face a demanding test versus Golspie Stafford. Regularly the last Sutherland representative in the competition, Stafford are seeking their second inter-county success, having won 4-2 away to Wick Thistle in the last round. Ian MacDonald’s men are back to near full-strength and will be looking to capitalise on home advantage.

Halkirk and John O’Groats have every chance of progressing in Skye and Orkney respectively with Wick Groats perhaps facing the toughest test in their jaunt to Culbokie to play Lochs. Lochs, who have been champions twice, are undefeated front-runners in the Lewis and Harris League. The Wick side are however in a rich vein of form and are tipped to make it a full house of Caithness sides through to the next round.

WEEK 8 - ACKS OUST PENTLAND IN SHOCK CUP RESULT

Acks teenage keeper Neal Clark was carried shoulder-high on Wednesday evening after playing a starring role in his side’s Eain Mackintosh Cup triumph over Pentland United. After the quarter-final at the Dammies finished goal-less after extra-time, the seventeen-year old stopper pulled off three outstanding penalty saves to send the Dunnet side tumbling out of the competition.

United’s Darryn Mackay and Derek Manson failed to take chances early on in what turned into an evenly-fought contest. The home side’s best opening in normal time came five minutes from the end when David Hale spooned over from close range.

Clark impressed all night and was to the fore in the first action of extra-time in coming out on top in a one-on-one with Mackay. United’s frustration grew as Lee Sutherland soon after mistimed what should have been a routine headed finish.

The young Acks side continued to battle with Paul Bain, a lively presence up front, having several efforts on goal in extra-time. Clark denied United late on with two cracking reaction stops to keep out a glancing header from Mackay and a close-in strike from Sutherland. The 17-year-old keeper went on to complete a memorable night by keeping his goal intact in the shoot-out. Spot-kicks from Gary Bell, Gary Mackay and Steven Morris were all well enough struck but Clark excelled in straining every sinew to get to all three.

Mark Begg’s miss, coming after successes for Acks pair Steven Clark and Gary Coghill, ended the contest. Acks are now gunning to pull off their third giant-killing act in the competition versus town neighbours Swifts.

Swifts survived an early setback to cruise home with plenty to spare on their trip to Ormlie to play Top Joe’s on Monday. The second division strugglers shocked their top-flight opponents when they went ahead on 15 minutes. Bruce Cormack’s swerving free-kick was pushed out by stand-in keeper Alan Mowat into the path of Steven Lowe who stabbed the ball over the line from close range.

Parity was restored thanks to a peach of a strike from the edge of the box by midfielder Michael Petrie. The tie started to go Stevie Reid’s men way after Des MacLeod and John Holmes made it 3-1 at the interval. Holmes grabbed his second with a neat lob with Lee MacDonald making it 6-1 with a header. In between, Derek Munro got in on the act with a perfectly executed scissors-kick finish.

Cup holders John O’Groats made home advantage count to reach the last four with a 2-1 victory over Halkirk. The Wildcats slumped to their first defeat in four outings in a competition which is dear to their hearts. The visitors were made to pay for a lacklustre opening when Martin Sinclair put JOG in front.

Mark Munro provided the spark with his pinpoint pass allowing Sinclair to run through unchallenged. Keeper Lee Allan spread himself well to parry the striker’s shot but was powerless to stop the follow-up. JOG failed to convert several other half-chances before losing their lead five minutes from time. Ian Adamson raced through to force a smart save from Shaun Henderson. The resultant corner was touched on by Stevie Elder and defender Andrew Bremner netted with a fierce volley.

Within five minutes of the turnaround, Halkirk conceded again. Stuart Sinclair (the elder) took advantage of being left unattended at a corner to head powerfully past Allan. Sinclair and Sean Henstridge could have doubled the lead before a late push by the visitors saw Stevie Elder foiled by a brave block from Henderson and Andrew Bremner headed narrowly wide. Halkirk finished with 10 men after Lee Elder was cautioned for a foul on Grant Campbell shortly before being sent off for a show of dissent.  

The other semi-finalist are Wick Groats who squeezed through 2-1 versus Staxigoe United at Upper Bignold on Tuesday. The second division leaders made life tough for Groats who were protecting a 100% record on their own park. Groats went ahead on 20 minutes when Alan Larnach’s prompt gave Sandy Sutherland the time and space to cut across a defender before sending a left-foot drive into the far corner of the net.

United had their moments in the opposing goalmouth with Grant MacNab coming the closest with a fizzing strike which shaved past a post. Groats got some extra breathing space when they struck again within a minute of the interval. Gavin Sinclair and Andy Cumming combined down the right to cut out an opening for Jimmy Budge.

The former Lybster man was barged off the ball but – to his credit – he did not complain but reacted the quickest to the loose ball which he hooked into the net from the ground.

MacNab gave hope to the village outfit when he reduced the deficit midway through the second half. His high-tempo dribble into the box was ended when he was felled by Stewart Ross’s do-or-die tackle. MacNab’s spotkick was beaten out by keeper Graeme Williamson but the young striker was able to net at the second attempt. United caused a couple of scares but were unable to conjure up an equaliser.

Caithness head over the Pentland Firth tomorrow in a bid to reclaimed the Archer Shield. The senior side lost their grip of the historic trophy when they went down to a gut-wrenching penalty shoot-out defeat after last year’s match at the Dammies finished 2-2. The John O’Groats managership duo of Willie Sinclair and Robbie Swanson are in charge for the first time. Wick Groats have the biggest representation, with five, while Ben Taylor creates a bit of history in being his club’s first county cap. A number of players were unavailable for the trip to Kirkwall.

Squad: Graeme Williamson, Stewart Ross, Andrew Cumming, Alan Larnach, Jimmy Budge (all Wick Groats); Grant Campbell and Alan Davies (JOG); Ben Taylor (Staxigoe United); Alan Farquhar (Castletown); Willie Steven and Mark Nichol, both Swifts); Michael Bremner (Halkirk); Lee Sutherland (Pentland United); and Andrew Richardson (Thurso Pentland).      

Stewart Ross is again to coach the under-18 side, who are defending the Corinthian Cup against their Orkney counteraprts.

WEEK 7 - STAXIGOE TAKE 1st DIVISION SCALP IN CUP GAME

Second division duo Staxigoe United and Acks claimed notable victories this week in first round action in the Eain Mackintosh Memorial Cup. While their counterparts fell by the way, they advanced in the first of the all-in county knock-out competitions. United made a storybook comeback to notch up their first top-flight scalp following their home tie versus Castletown.

The visitors made a cracking start with an attack down the right paying dividends when Scott Mackay Steven nodded them in front. On 17 minutes, they doubled their lead thanks to a shot drilled home from the edge of the box by Graham MacDonald after a neat build-up. Graham Bain’s men threat was confined to a couple of half-chances as they ended the first half two behind.

It got rosier for them a minute after the break when Colin Sinclair continued his recent scoring turn with a 25 yarder that whizzed past keeper Lee Kirk. Castletown looked good to hold out for a victory when they conceded again eight minutes from the end when Liam Bremner repeated his trick from his side’s last league match in scoring direct from a corner. Completing the feat twice in the space of a week must be some kind of record. Castletown were still in shock at the setback when Sinclair bagged the winner with two minutes remaining. This time, he rose to net from Andrew Banks’ long-range free-kick from the right. United’s reward is an outing on Upper Bignold where they face Groats.

Groats won through on Wednesday after a typically tough derby clash versus Thistle. Kevin Miller’s strike 15 minutes from the interval separated the teams in a tight match where clearcut chances were at a premium. Team-mate Sandy Sutherland blew a great chance to break the deadlock when he blazed high over when put in the clear. The goal stemmed from Stewart Ross’s free-kick which was teed up by Jimmy Budge for Miller to execute a sweet volley which arrowed into the bottom left-hand corner. John Farquhar twice went close to levelling before the break with decent efforts which both just missed the target.

Rovers were Acks’ victims, going down 2-0 in Tuesday night’s clash at the Dammies. Colin MacDonald came closest to putting the home side ahead in a shapeless first half. The match seemed drifting towards extra-time when Acks struck twice in the closing stages to seal their passage into the second round. With 15 minutes left, Rovers’ Harry Hourston dithering in the penalty box was punished when youngster Kyle Innes disposed him before lashing the ball into the net. Five minutes later, Liam Wann was celebrating when he chested down a long through ball before rifling home.

Halkirk made light of advancing at the expense of Francis Street Club at Recreation Park on Tuesday evening. Within the first half-hour, the Wildcats had roared to a three goal lead against a Wick side who appeared to still be suffering from the hangover of their weekend Highland Cup defeat in Skye. Michael Bremner played in Lee Elder to bag the opener within a couple of minutes. Stevie Campbell then set up Elder for his second before Bremner’s corner was netted by a near-post volley from Martin Bain. FSC struggled to get out of their own half and conceded again through Graham Swanson’s back-post header from Stevie Elder’s cross. Ian Adamson missed a close-range cinch and Swanson had a second disallowed for offside as Halkirk threatened to run riot. Lee Elder struck the bar early in the second half before further goals from   Graham Gunn, Matthew Mackay and Bremner made it 7-0.

Halkirk now travel to John O’Groats who were made to work hard before registering a 2-1 home victory over Thurso Pentland. JOG, who scored a 6-2 league win over Pentland in Thurso last week, survived a couple of close shaves in the second period to extend their defence of the trophy. Grant Budge opened the scoring on the half-hour mark after Mark Munro picked him out with a pinpoint cross. He got in ahead of keeper Fraser Swanson before flicking it up with his left foot and nodding it into the back of the net. Pentland deservedly drew level five minutes later with a well-taken back-post finish by Andrew Richardson. Budge popped up with what proved the winner five minutes from the break with a half-volley from another Munro assist.

Swifts had a comfortable passage at Keiss where they ran out 3-0 winners. Michael Petrie netted an early settler when he gathered Jamie MacKenzie’s assist before sending an unstoppable 20 yard left-foot drive behind stand-in keeper Perry Campbell. MacKenzie also played roles in setting up MacLeod to grab a double – one before the break and the second within a couple of minutes of the resumption. Keiss battled hard to prevent further loss and contrived to create a couple of half-chances before the end.

Plans to abolish replays in the Macleod IFA Highland Amateur Cup are likely to find favour with clubs. Organisers are seeking views on a proposal to play all ties to a conclusion from round one onwards in next year’s competition. The initiative would eliminate the extra cost of replays and prevent the disruption which can be caused to local cup competitions. Highland A.F.A. is also considering to run the first three rounds in zones with the ties to be played before a set date. It is suggested that the existing four zones – Orkney, Western Isles, south mainland and north mainland – would each produce four qualifiers for the last 16. The tourney would then be opened up.

WEEK 6 - SWIFTS & STAXIGOE TITLE CHALLENGE VERY MUCH ON

None of the current Swifts squad was born when the club last won the last of their four Caithness county league first division championships.

With the current season approaching the halfway mark, there are encouraging signs that the current crop could emulate the achievements of the 1965 vintage. They have toughed out results in their last games versus their closest rivals to lead the way prior to the league going into cold storage during a fortnight of cup action. Manager Stevie Reid however knows there is bound to be a lot of twists and turns before what is shaping up as the super-Monday league finale on August 24 when his team hosts Castletown and Wick Groats are at home to Pentland United.

Swifts go into the mini-break a point ahead of Groats after sub John Holmes’ scrambled late counter earned his side a 1-1 draw in Dunnet on Tuesday evening.A disappointing first half at Ham Park produced plenty bump and grind but little spark or invention from either side. Michael Petrie failed to convert a half-chance when set up by Mark Nichol while United came closest to scoring through the speedy Shane Sutherland. Tony Farquhar was first to threaten after the interval with a looping header which passed a few inches over the bar and fully-extended reach of keeper Asa Sinclair. At the other end, Des MacLeod was proving a handful with the striker having one full-on volley blocked, much to the relief of keeper Michael Gray.

The game came to the boil in the final third with Sinclair rooted to the spot as he watched Sutherland’s 30 yard free-kick smack of the face of his crossbar. Vet Willie Steven was next to threaten when he deserted his defensive duties to unleash a venomous 25 yarder which fizzed fractionally over the bar. Gray did well to prevent Nichol getting on the end of Lee MacDougall’s through-ball before the keeper’s clearance led to his side’s going in front on 72 minutes. The Golspie-based Sutherland gathered before burning off two defenders on a run which culminated with a rising shot from just outside the box which flew past Sinclair.

Jamie MacKenzie passed up a glorious chance before he forced Gray to make a full-stretch parry to somehow keep out his 86th minute strike. The keeper then managed to recover sufficiently to turn MacLeod’s follow-up behind.   After the heroics, Gray blotted his copybook when the ball squirmed from his grasp from the ensuing corner and Holmes pounced to force the ball home from pointblank range.

Wick Groats took advantage of the points dropped by their main rivals as they posted a 3-1 home victory over Castletown. They drew ahead with Gary MacGregor’s first strike of the county campaign. The midfielder won space at the edge of the 18 yard box with a feint to his right before sending a searing left-footer drive past visiting keeper Lee Kirk. Castletown restored parity with just about their only serious attack of the first half. A corner was not properly cleared and Gavin Henderson’s strike flew through a ruck of players into the net.

The home men’s lead was restored with a beezer of a long-range, inswinging free-kick from Alan Larnach.   Kirk was distracted by the inrushing Jimmy Budge and Stewart Ross as the cross was untouched by friend or foe before it crossed the line. Both teams had a couple of half-chances in a scrappy second period before Groats got an insurance third goal with about 20 minutes left. Greg Shearer sent Sandy Sutherland on a run to the bye-line and his cutback was netted by Larnach.

Halkirk broke a four game losing run when they struck four times without reply at home to Rovers. After an even opening 20 minutes, Paul Mackay went close to scoring before Martin Bain rose to put the Wildcats ahead with a powerful headed connection from Michael Bremner’s corner. Soon after, Ian Adamson doubled the advantage. His first shot was blocked but he followed up to lash the rebound into the roof of the net. Both teams had solid penalty claims rebuffed to leave Halkirk 2-0 ahead at the interval.

The home side stepped up a gear on the resumption with Adamson hitting a post and Michael Bremner going close from a free-kick. Bain made it 3-0 with a second header before Lee Elder added a fourth while still red-faced at missing a short-range snip. Halkirk missed chances to go further in front with sub Matthew Mackay sending a penalty wide of the target. Rovers contrived to mount a late push, having a ‘goal’ ruled out for offside before home keeper Lee Allan produced an excellent stop to deny Stevie Reid.

John O’Groats continued their recovery from their poor start with a 6-2 victory at the Dammies over Thurso Pentland. Former Aberdeen youth player Grant Campbell opened his scoring account with his new side with a marvellous 30 yard strike to put them in front. A Sean Henstridge header and a goal from Stuart W. Sinclair threatened to put the visitors on easy street. But Sinclair conceded a penalty to allow Adam Sutherland to reduce the deficit.

Within a minute of the restart, Sinclair atoned with a header to put JOG 4-1 up at the turnaround. Grant Budge then netted with a peach of a drive after a typically industrious surge. Scott MacLean got a second for Pentland before they conceded again when sub Matthew Mackay converted the third of three decent chances that fell to him.

Staxigoe United continue to hog the headlines in the second division as a result of the barnstorming impact they have had in their debut campaign. They are by far and away the county hotshots, having clocked up 46 goals in seven matches and are sure to be in the title shake-up. The downside is their dreadful disciplinary record, which meant three of their players were suspended for Tuesday’s home league match versus Acks. United established a 10 th minute lead when Derek Rosie headed in Peter Niwa’s cross.

A mix-up in the home defence let in Colin MacDonald to equalise and Acks proceeded to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Home keeper Ryan Robertson’s glitch at a corner allowed Steven Miller to score from close ranger and the same player made it 3-1 when he finished off a well-worked move two minutes after the interval.

United stood up to the test of their mettle with Colin Sinclair reducing the leeway from the penalty spot after Liam Bremner was felled in the penalty box.Bremner levelled midway through the half when his inswinging corner from the right eluded everyone en route to the back of the net. With 15 minutes left, Niwa popped up with what proved the winner after he ran on to net after neat lead-up work from Bremner and Martin Banks.

Wick Thistle leapfrogged Acks into second following a hard-fought 4-2 win in Lybster. Bobby Gunn got the Jags off to a flyer with a peach of a shot which whistled into the right postage-stamp corner of the net. They passed up a clutch of other chances before Lybster battled back to draw level after scoring either side of Darren Shepherd’s second for the town outfit. The home men held out until 10 minutes when Bobby Gunn and Greg Gunn struck to secure all three points for Thistle.

WEEK 5 - SWIFTS MAINTAIN 100% RECORD TO LAND TOP SPOT

High-flying Swifts boast the county’s only 100% record after reeling off five wins on the bounce to lead the county’s first division. Monday’s battling 2-1 victory at the Dammies over the previously undefeated Wick Groats was the perfect pick-me-up after their Highland Cup exit at the weekend.

In the first half, a home win looked a distant prospect as Groats dominated with their attractive brand of neat, patient build-up play and rapier attacks. Asa Sinclair was called on to pull off a series of blocks and reaction stops to deny Sandy Sutherland and new signing Alan Larnach. It was a minute before the interval that Groats deservedly drew ahead when Kyle Ross skipped down the right and held off two challenges as he veered infield and cracked an angled drive behind a stunned Sinclair. The celebrations had barely stilled when Swifts drew level when John Holmes released Michael Petrie who fired home from the right corner of the 18 yard box.

Swifts saw much more of the play after the interval with Mark Nichol going close with a drive which whizzed just over. Larnach went close and Holmes headed a netbound effort off the line before Swifts bagged the winner with less than 10 minutes left. Nichol’s cross was played by James Mill into the path of the unmarked Petrie who fired past keeper Graeme Williamson. Groats sub Derek Shearer was unable to convert two half-chances late on to grab a point for his side.

A serious-looking ankle injury marred Tuesday’s clash between Castletown and Pentland United, which finished goal-less. United captain’s Joe Steven’s awkward fall after challenging Alan Farquhar for the ball left him facing another lengthy spell out. The game was held up for 20 minutes in the first half while an ambulance was summoned to take the former Brora Rangers defender to hospital.

Castletown enjoyed the lion’s share of possession before the interval though struggled to create many openings. Chris Sutherland was needed to effect a goal-line clearance to prevent Tony Farquhar heading United in front from a corner. Sutherland then had a ‘goal’ ruled offside before going close again when he exchanged passes with Farquhar and had his would-be finish well saved by Michael Gray. Second half play was largely confined to a congested midfield. Steven Morris’s long ranger was United’s best attempt while Scott Mackay Steven screwed a shot wide when he should have done better after good work by Sutherland.

Rovers got their first win of the campaign after coming from behind to defeat bottom side Thurso Pentland at Upper Bignold. Pentland keeper Fraser Swanson kept the visitors on terms with smart saves early on from both Mark Bremner and Stuart Duffy. The Thurso men went ahead on 15 minutes when Michael Foubister posted their first goal of the county season with a header following the messy sequel to a corner.

Lewis Harrold and Alan Sinclair went close for Rovers and Lee Lyall was denied by Swanson to retain Pentland’s lead until the turnaround. The visitors were dealt a major blow when Andrew Richardson’s collision with Harry Hourston left him requiring stitches for a nasty head gash. Rovers equalised on 57 minutes thanks to a well-executed 30 yard chip by Stevie Reid. The same player came close too scoring again before Euan Jappy struck on 72 minutes with a shot which took a wicked stot off the ground to evade the clutch of Swanson. Reid grabbed his second 10 minutes from time with a penalty.

John O’Groats continued their recovery from a poor start to the season with a 2-1 win over Halkirk on Monday. JOG went ahead direct from a corner with Martin Sinclair’s wind-assisted delivery eluding everyone. Midway through the second period, Lee Elder was floored in the penalty box with Gavin Bremner taking the chance to equalise from the spot. The home side spurned the chance to go ahead by the same means when Lee Allan kept out Grant Budge’s penalty. Allan undid his good work shortly afterwards when he fluffed a clearance straight to Sean Henstridge who kept his cool to fire home what proved the winner. The Wildcats ended the game with 10 men when youngster Paul Mackay was somewhat harshly shown red for a foul on Stuart Sinclair the elder.

Acks briefly went top of the second division on Tuesday after a 3-0 home victory over Francis Street Club. Steven Miller and Colin MacDonald combined to set up Kyle Innes for the goal which separated the teams at the break after earlier shots from MacDonald and Paul Wares struck the bar. Chris Wann went close early in the second half before Innes struck again on the hour-mark with a cracking 25 yarder which went in off the inside of the left post. Wann made the game safe with the third after a mistake from visiting keeper Andrew Harper.

Twenty-four hours later, Staxigoe reclaimed pole position with a 6-2 win over Keiss on a sodden Lower Bignold. A cloudburst shortly before kick-off led to United’s backroom team sweeping lying water off the pitch. The team was soon laying siege to the Keiss goal and strikes from Liam Bremner and Colin Sinclair saw them seize the early initiative. Dean Salim got one back but goals either side of the interval by Peter Niwa and Graham MacNab had United on easy street. Luke Sawyer restored their three goal advantage after a Roy Weir own goal before Grant MacNab claimed the pick of the bunch with a wonderful solo effort.

Keiss earlier suffered their first defeat of the campaign when they conceded late on to go down 1-0 away to Francis Street Club. The villagers saw plenty of the ball but failed to create much at the business end. FSC came close to taking a first half lead when Craig Henderson’s crossfield pass to Nathan Mackay ended with the latter’s stinging shot inducing an excellent save by James Richard. The keeper went on to make another full-length stop to deny Henderson. He was however powerless to prevent FSC taking all three points after scoring from the aftermath of a corner with just two minutes left. Henderson returned a half-clearance into the mix and Mackay was on hand to sweep the ball low into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

Four goals from Steven Lowe could not earn Top Joe’s their first victory as they were held to a 4-4 draw at home to Lybster on Tuesday. TJ’s were never behind and Lowe’s fourth looked to have clinched it for them only for the young visitors to battle back again to equalise late on.

Lee Elder Celebrates Halkirk's equaliser versus Pentland United

Wick Groats on Tuesday completed a quick derby double over Rovers. They followed up their 3-0 Highland Cup victory with a 2-0 success in the league. Harry Hourston went close for Rovers before they fell behind to a ninth minute goal when Christopher Taylor rose to net from a corner. Rovers keeper Mark Aitken was injured in saving at Sandy Sutherland’s feet and could not continue after the interval. His replacement, Craig Thomson soon featured with a fine save to foil Andrew Cumming. He was again to the fore when he parried Sutherland’s meaty dispatch following a length-of-the park counter on 52 minutes but was powerless to prevent Jimmy Budge netting the rebound. Sutherland’s frustrating evening was capped when his late penalty was clawed to safety by Thomson.

Swifts kept their record intact after prising a 2-1 win at a windswept John O’ Groats on Wednesday. Playing into the elements, the visitors enjoyed the better of the first half exchanges. Striker Des Macleod maintained his early goal harvest when he put Swifts ahead on 10 minutes after getting in ahead of his marker to reach Michael Robertson’s cross and fire past keeper Shaun Henderson. JOG got back on terms 10 minutes from the interval when Grant Budge’s corner was not properly clearly and Stuart Sinclair (the elder) headed home. The home side had more of the play in the second half but their threat was confined to a couple of half-chances. The Thurso men claimed all three points when Mark Nichol tucked away a penalty after he was taken down by Sinclair in the penalty box. JOG mounted a late aerial bombardment but to no avail.

Castletown steadied the ship after losing two of their first three matches with a 3-0 win at the Dammies over an under-strength Pentland side. Chris Sutherland had rattled the crossbar before the visitors forged ahead midway through the first half with Alan Farquhar’s cool finish from Ben Murray’s prompt. The same combination struck again before the break when Farquhar’s inviting cross was headed powerfully by Murray past stand-in keeper Fraser Swanson. Farquhar got his second two minutes into the second half after he ran through to place a firm shot wide of Swanson. Pentland defended stoutly to prevent further losses though rode their luck when Sutherland hit the woodwork for a second time and sub Brian Davidson missed a couple of gilt-edged chances late on.

The run of early season draws in the second division continued on Tuesday when Keiss and Acks shared four goals. Youngster Paul Wares put the Thurso outfit ahead when he finished off a sweeping move. It was against the run of play when Dean Salim made space for himself in the Acks box to conjure an equaliser. A mix-up at the heart of then home defence allowed Murray Mackintosh to restore the visitors’ lead on the hour-mark. Keiss drew level again within 10 minutes when Salim’s cross was swept in by Colin MacKenzie. The town side would have been left empty-handed if Gordon Steven had been able to finish when put clean through with five minutes remaining.

Staxigoe United hit the goal trail again in Lybster on Wednesday when the young home village side had no answer to their opponents’ power play. Liam Bremner grabbed a hat-trick as his side ran out 9-0 winners. Grant MacNab’s pair included his finish early on in the game to a glorious one-touch sequence involving half the team. Graham MacNab also got on the score-sheet, as did Roy Weir, Colin Sinclair and Luke Sawyer.

Wick Thistle went second with an all-too-easy 7-0 away victory over Top Joe’s. Andrew Weir put them in from with a looping header before Greg Gunn made it 2-0 and Bobby Gunn finished off a long-range counter before half-time. Darren Shepherd ran through to increase the lead and home keeper Ian Miller boobed to allow Bobby Gunn to net his second, youngster Liam Sutherland came off the bench to grab the sixth with Marc Gunn rounding off the scoring after the Jags missed a hatful of chances to hit double figures.

Halkirk and Staxigoe United were the star turns as the county league football season kicked off this week. Halkirk produced a first division upset in winning 2-1 at Castletown while newcomers Staxigoe had a memorable debut in drubbing Francis Street Club 7-1 to get their second division campaign off to a flier.

Castletown's Henderson fires in long range free kick

Pentland United launched their title defence with a low-key 4-0 home win over newly promoted Thurso Pentland. Setpieces were the source of their opening two goals scored in the second quarter. The first came from a corner which was nodded on by Brian Kenny to Joe Steven whose stinging shot produced a marvellous parry from visiting keeper Reid Anderson. Anderson had no answer to Lee Sutherland’s controlled follow-up. The keeper had pulled off several other excellent saves before another corner was headed home by United debutant frontman Stevie Morris.

The town side enjoyed the bulk of possession after the break though their first serious attempt on goal came from a last-minute header from Adam Sutherland which produced a fine reaction stop from Michael Gray. Before then, Morris converted a cross from James Murray before the latter completed the scoring with a dipping 30 yarder volley.

Tuesday’s clash of the Groats featured the first head-to-head for the Budge brothers, Jimmy and Grant, following their move from United. It was Jimmy’s team which prevailed as Wick Groats recovered from the early loss of midfielder Gary MacGregor to beat John O’Groats 3-0. After MacGregor’s exit with a head cut, Kyle Ross dropped back into midfield and put his side in front after his penalty scraped past JOG keeper Shaun Henderson. Groats keeper Graeme Williamson did well to keep out a decent Martin Sinclair effort before the home side doubled their lead a minute before the turnaround. Greg Shearer’s cutback was swept home by Sandy Sutherland. Sutherland had two headed ‘goals’ chalked off before completing the scoring with a classy, side-footed finish near the end.

Swifts got their campaign off to a winning start at the Dammies at the expense of Rovers. The short-handed visitors could have been dead and buried by the interval and were flattered by the final 2-4 scoreline. Mark Nichol opened his account early on when he drifted in from the right before drilling a right-foot drive high into the far corner of the net. Michael Petrie scored an opportunist second before Des MacLeod missed several gilt-edged chances to put Swifts on easy street. Nichol put the home side 3-0 up after stretching to convert James Mill’s cross before triallist John Harper pulled one back with a fine solo effort. Nichol then turned provider, setting up Petrie to finish before Kieran Duffy broke clear to grab a last-minute counter for Sanders Harper’s men.

New boys Staxigoe showed no sign of stage-fright when they took their county league bow on Wednesday night. Manager Perry Mackenzie was delighted by the result and their display versus FSC. The honour of scoring their first goal fell to Liam Bremner who finished off a slick passing move by stepping past the last defender before steering the ball wide of FSC keeper Andrew Harper. Bremner went on score twice more in between a Graham MacNab strike. Nathan Mackay got one back just before the interval but there was to be no way back for FSC. Bremner went on to grab a fourth and Grant MacNab and Derek Rosie also chipped in with goals to make it a glory night for the newcomers.

Top Joe’s almost pulled off an extraordinary turnaround in their rematch with Acks on Tuesday in the second division following their 11-0 trouncing in Thurso League action the previous week. A resolute TJ’s shocked their town rivals with a busy opening in which Mark Hutcheon shot them ahead. They also missed several decent openings before a shell-shocked Acks drew level just before the interval thanks to a 20 yard strike from Liam Waan. TJs were under the cosh for most of the second period and their resistance was broken 15 minutes from time when they conceded an own goal in the aftermath to a corner.

Keiss came back three times to earn a point at home to Wick Thistle. The Jags were short-changed to lead by just Greg Gunn’s goal during an opening 20 minutes of almost complete domination. Keiss levelled matters with a scintillating volley from Gordie Steven only to trail at the interval after Colin MacKenzie put through his own goal from a corner. Fifteen minutes after the turnaround, ex-JOG player Ian Rosie made it 2-2 after converting a Steven corner. Thistle regained the lead in controversial style when a drop ball after play was stopped for treatment for one of their players resulted in Marc Gunn planting the ball in the back of the net. There was just five minutes when Keiss drew level through Andrew MacKenzie. Dean Salim and Andrew MacKenzie both went desperately close to giving the homesters all three points.

Lybster, under the charge of club stalwart John Ross, had a promising start on their trip to Bignold to play Francis Street Club on Monday. Home keeper Andrew Harper pulled off several top-drawer saves to keep the game goal-less at the break. The youthful visitors lost their way after falling behind when Nathan Mackay squeezed the ball home from a tight angle. It looked bleak for Lybster when Craig Henderson scored from a corner before Mark Banks made it 3-0 when he waltzed past two defenders before netting. Good work from FSC’s Davy Coull paved the way for fellow sub Nasheem Ahmed to mark his return to the club with a headed goal. Lybster battled back to finish strongly with Craig Watt reducing the leeway before another 15-year-old Calum Grant scoring late on from a corner to make it 4-2