Full strength Fort aim to sink champs
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Fort's Adam Robertson, left, and captain Duncan Rodger challenge Kilmallie captain John Stewart.
PETER MacIntyre expects an An Aird cracker this Saturday when champions Newtonmore come calling in shinty’s Premier Division.
Fort were left reeling by rivals Kilmallie, who struck a late winner from John Stewart to win their top-flight tussle 3-2 last weekend.
More edged one point ahead of Fort in the table thanks to a last-gasp goal in their 2-2 draw at Oban Camanachd, so there’s plenty at stake even this early in the season.
Fort are one of four sides locked on seven points, while Kyles Athletic set the pace, with six wins out of seven putting them in control.
Fort manager McIntyre hopes to have a full squad available for the first time this term after John MacDonald returned from his rib injury to feature for 20 minutes last weekend.
Bryan Simpson fired Fort in front early on last weekend, but Kilmallie replied through Liam MacDonald on the stroke of half-time.
Gary Innes put Fort back in front on 48 minutes, but the Caol team levelled again through Fraser Massie on 71 minutes before Stewart struck late on to earn the win for the North Division One champions.
MacIntyre said: “We actually played pretty well on Saturday, but our downfall was not taking our chances when we were on top. Similar to our game against Kyles, we lost a goal with the last hit of the ball in the first half, but we got back in front early in the second half. That’s the period when we should have killed the game, but Kilmallie came back. The game should have been out of sight, but we’ll move on.
“Derby matches are important and everybody wants to win these games, but that’s what shinty is all about.”
Looking ahead to the champions’ visit, he said: “Matches between ourselves and Newtonmore are normally very entertaining and it’s a game where both teams will be looking for the win.
“They will be boosted by scoring a last-minute goal, so will come here with all guns blazing.
“Hopefully the weather will be great again and a big crowd will come along to get right behind the team.”
Kilmallie, meanwhile, have the awesome challenge of travelling to leaders Kyles this weekend.
l Kilmallie and Fort also met at reserve level on Saturday, with the sides sharing six goals in North Division Two at Caol.
Brian MacKay and Marc Kelly had Kilmallie 2-0 ahead at the break before Ewan Campbell replied for Fort.
MacKay nudged Kilmallie 3-1 in front, but goals from Daniel Stewart and Jack Fraser earned a late point for the visitors.
This Saturday, they meet again in the league, this time at An Aird, with a noon throw-up.
