Lilies bring back striker Penwright
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CLACH boss Iain Polworth has swooped to sign striker Ian Penwright for a second time – and paid tribute to the frontman’s poacher’s instincts.
Penwright, who has been scoring for fun in the Inverness and District Amateur League for Muir of Ord United this season, ended an injury-hit spell with the Lilywhites two years ago after previously coming through the Caley Thistle youth ranks.
The 25-year-old made a goalscoring return to Grant Street Park in a 20-minute cameo role from the bench in Saturday’s 4-2 victory over Keith and Polworth was pleased to see the ex-Forres Mechanics man get amongst the goals.
He said: "He’s all signed up. He was with us before, but then he got injured and was unavailable because of work. He’s been training with us and looking to get his fitness back.
"He’s a penalty box finisher and he showed that on Saturday – he got his goal and all credit to him for that."
Martin Callum gave the hosts an eighth-minute lead against Keith, bravely nodding home a well worked corner, but their lead only last nine minutes though, when slack marking allowed ex-Clach man Bruce Milne the chance to tap home from a Sean Keith free-kick.
David Watson restored the lead for the Lilies just before the hour, and 10 minutes later Daniel MacLennan grabbed his fourth of the season with a cool finish.
A minute from time Penwright slotted home after a well-worked move saw him played through by MacLennan, but Keith’s close-range finish gave the visitors the last word.
The victory lifts Clach to 12th and Polworth was pleased to see his charges net their first win of the season.
He said: "I was satisfied with the second half performance, the first half we let them back into the game but after the break we were much better."
After last night’s (Wednesday's) 6-0 thrashing of hosts Rothes, Clach visit bottom club Huntly on Saturday in fine fettle.
Four defeats from four and 19 goals shipped mean Gregg Carrol’s men are rooted to the foot of the table, but Polworth reckons their early season struggles will see them fired-up to take the points from Clach this weekend.
He said: "Gregg will be hurting, he won’t be happy at all with their start and he’ll want to end that run."
Long-term absentees Michael Finnis, Jamie Doran and Paul Brindle remain sidelined for Saturday’s clash.
