Teen strikes to seal Glen cup win
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A NEALE Reid goal was enough to give Glenurquhart’s shinty team a 1-0 win over Strathglass in the annual MacDonald Cup challenge at Drumnadrochit.
The teenager’s strike gave Glen victory in this derby encounter for the first time since 2002.
Whilst Glen had a strong territorial advantage in the second half as they chased the victory required to relieve holders Strathglass of the trophy, Strath had the two clearest cut chances of the game.
Glen’s Stuart MacKintosh showed why he is the current Scotland keeper with two absolutely stunning saves. On both occasions veteran Strath striker Robert Geddes was put clean through, only to find MacKintosh reacting instinctively to prevent his powerfully struck drives finding the net, to the frustration of the Strath support.
Both defences worked hard to contain the dangers they faced. As the game wore on, it became apparent that goalscoring opportunities would be at a premium.
It was Reid’s goal in the 70th minute that proved decisive with a well-struck 35-yard low drive finding its way past Strath keeper Raymond Fraser.
On the balance of play over the 90 minutes, Glen were deserved winners. Delighted skipper Stuart MacKintosh stepped up to receive the MacDonald Cup.
His younger brother Ally, who started the match in defence but joined the Glen attack in the second half, picked up the man of the match award chosen by referee Deke Cameron.
Prior to the main event at Blairbeg Park, Glenurquhart reserves were 3-2 winners over their Strath counterparts to retain the Ali Bhan Cup.
Kelvin MacKenzie was Glen’s star man, netting all three of his team’s goals, whilst Brian MacKay grabbed both Strath counters.
In the first match of the derby day, Strathglass under-14s won the Slater’s Arms Shield by defeating Glenurquhart 6-2 on the adjacent all-weather pitch.
Elsewhere, Lovat went down 4-1 to Lochaber in a challenge match at Balgate with Lachie Campbell notching a hat trick for the North Division One outfit.
Inverness returned from Oban with the Robert Whylie Memorial Cup courtesy of a 4-3 win over Oban Celtic. On target for the city side were James Cameron, Craig Hazel, Gordon MacKenzie and Dave Higham.
A penalty shoot-out win over Skye in Portree saw Kingussie take custody of the 2010 Thomas Ferguson Memorial Cup after the teams had finished level at 1-1.
Jordan Murchison netted a late equaliser for the islanders, with Louis Munro opening for Kings.
