Inverness Amateur League set to go to the wire
LOCH Ness and Avoch served up an explosive 4-4 draw in a top-of-the-table Premier League clash which produced three sending-offs, three penalties and a dozen bookings.
Ian Penwright handed Avoch the lead in the sixth minute when he pounced on a loose ball in the box.
Johnny Hewitt lashed home an equaliser four minutes later after he got on the end of a Phil MacDonald cross.
Loch Ness went ahead on the half hour mark when James Murray coolly converted from the spot after Hewitt was taken down.
But Avoch levelled five minutes before the break when Kyle MacLean scored a fine individual goal.
Avoch were reduced to 10 men six minutes into the second half when goalkeeper David Harrison hauled down Ryan Ingram in the box and was promptly sent off. Substitute Craig Morrison took over in goal but Murray once again made no mistake from the spot.
Loch Ness went 4-2 up four minutes later when Phil MacDonald was left with a tap-in after a lightning attack.
But Avoch got back in the match in the 75th minute and Shaun Kerr scored a penalty. Two more sending-offs followed when Loch Ness’ Mark Kennedy and Avoch’s Jordan Knight picked up second bookings.
But in the 89th minute Avoch sub Fraser Houston got the final touch to an Arron Christie free-kick to force the ball over the line for a dramatic equaliser.
Loch Ness manager, Shane Carling said: “We were 4-2 up against 10 men – silly mistakes cost us. But fair play to Avoch for coming back. Hopefully we can win our remaining game against Culbokie and results elsewhere go our way.”
Avoch manager, Martyn MacAllister said: “I can’t fault the players, they showed great character coming from 4-2 down. It will go down to the wire now.”
Ardersier came from 2-0 down to earn a precious point in a 2-2 draw with NMM Sam’s at Cromal Park.
John McLaughlin fired Sam’s ahead from the penalty spot midway through the first half.
David Ross doubled the lead early in the second period.
But a Ryan MacPherson penalty in the 71st minute got Ardersier back in the match and Donald Horsburgh levelled with a 25 yard screamer with seven minutes to spare.
The matches between Maryburgh and Contin and Culbokie and Bellmac were postponed due to waterlogged pitches.
