Fort William 4 Kyles Athletic 3. | |
26 September 2009 Kyles started well and Injury had disrupted James Clark’s season and the big forwarded started the final from the bench. Many expected him to replace Victor Smith on the hour mark but Fort manager Drew McNeil made his change at half time introducing Kyles pushed Grant Irvine forward but when Fraser MacDonald’s 25 yard shot deceived Scott MacNeil, it seemed a mere consolation goal. However, roused by the huge Tighnabruaich support, Kyles were energised and when Duncan Kerr made it 3-2, they were really back in the match. The Kyles support was in ecstasy in 82 minutes when Kerr leveled the game with a terrific shot on the half volley which crashed into the roof of the net. Roared on by their fanatical support, Kyles looked favourites to win the famous trophy but the men from An Aird are made of stern stuff. Naill MacPhee won a challenge in midfield and his ball down the right saw Gordie MacKinnon and Gary Innes combine and play the ball across goal for James Clark to sweep the ball into the net and win the cup. Kyles had great performances from Grant Irvine, Roddy MacDonald, and 2 goal Duncan Kerr but the popular choice of man of the match went to Kyle’s defender Donald Irvine – nephew of the late Andy Irvine who won the coveted medal when Kyles last won the Cup. The final was expertly refereed by Marine Harvest Referee of the Year Ronnie Campbell and his performance and this year’s spectacle went a long way to wipe out the negatives from the 2008 final. |