Memory Lane - Thomas Ferguson Memorial Cup. | |
18 February 2010 Friday 4 August 1978.
Skye Camanachd 1 Glasgow Mid Argyll 5.
Skye Camanachd arranged for Glasgow Mid Argyll to visit the King George V Park ahead of the Islanders 1978 North Division 1 campaign.
Skye had just won promotion to North shinty’s top division and whilst they matched their southern opponents in the first half, they had no answer for Mid Argyll’s second half goal blitz.
Skye were boosted by the return of keeper Ian “Dowel” MacLeod who was recalled to the side after recovering from a serious foot injury which was the result of an accident at work.
MacLeod turned in an outstanding performance and he produced save after save to win warm applause from the spectators.
Skye had a great chance to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty midway through the first half. John “Bodach” MacKenzie stepped up to take the spot hit but he failed to find the back of the net.
It was the visitors who scored the opening goal when Kenny MacNiven found space to rattle the ball into the net.
However Skye ensured that the sides went into the half time break all square when a Donnie Murchison strike made it 1-1.
The second half belonged to Mid Argyll and to Burton Morrison in particular as the Glasgow forward bagged a hat-trick.
Donald MacFarlane scored Mid Argyll’s other goal to clinch a 5-1 victory.
Indeed if it hadn’t been for several fantastic saves fro Skye keeper Ian “Dowel” MacLeod, the winning margin could have been even greater.
It was no surprise that Skye keeper Ian “Dowel” MacLeod was named man of the match by the Glasgow Mid Argyll players and the accolade was just reward for his performance and the bravery he had shown to return to the side following such a terrible injury.
Skye Camanachd also made their 1977 / 78 Player of the Year award following the game and this went to midfielder Ally “Mhor” Morrison (Kyleakin) whose fine performances the previous season made him an obvious choice.
The match showed Skye Camanachd what was required to play in shinty’s top flight and although the Islanders gave their all in the 1978 / 79 season, they ultimately suffered relegation at the end of the campaign. |