SHINTY: Semi final defeat gave Glenurquhart belief they could go top of league
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MANAGER Davie Stewart says Glenurquhart’s MacTavish Cup semi final defeat to Skye gave them the belief to turn their season around and go top of the National Division.
After a slow start to the league season when they failed to win their first three matches, Glenurquhart improved their form to go top of the table on goal difference.
They are top of the league on 14 points with Lochaber and are five goals better off, although have played one game more.
However, they do have a game in hand on other teams who are in promotion contention, with the top two in the league being promoted to the Premiership next season.
Stewart attributed the club’s turnaround in fortunes to their 3-1 defeat against Skye in the MacTavish Cup semi final.
Despite the loss, he said the performance showed they were good enough to compete against Premiership clubs and had a chance of winning promotion this season.
“The semi final defeat against Skye was a close game and the boys realised they could compete against bigger teams,” said Stewart.
“We moved on from there and when you get a few wins under your belt, the confidence does go high in a team.
“In the National Division, there are fine margins in results and I think there are six teams who will still fancy their chances of promotion.
“I expect there could be some odd results between teams as everyone battles it out to finish in the top two.”
Glenurquhart will be favourites to stay top on Saturday when they welcome Oban Celtic to Drumnadrochit.
Celtic haven’t won a game this season, but did hold Glenurquhart to a 0-0 draw which Stewart says should be a warning to his team.
“Oban Celtic are a funny team who always give us a hard time.
“They are a difficult team to break down and I am expecting a tough challenge when we play them on Saturday.”
