Aberdeen University 3 Skye Camanachd 4 (after extra time) | |
20 May 2013 The Skye Camanachd second team had a 4-3 extra time Strathdearn Cup second round victory over Aberdeen University at Balgownie on Saturday 18 May 2013. The sides met at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree a fortnight ago when the Islanders ran out 3-1 winners in a close encounter and this tie was equally tight. The Students, who are managed by former Skye Camanachd player Jamie Beaton, were along usual lines. Skye Camanachd manager Murdo Morrison had several changes to make. He was without play-maker Paul MacKinnon who required stitches in a leg gash after his appearance in the first team’s 5-0 league win over Inverness the previous weekend. Morrison was also without keeper Jamie Gannon, defenders Neil John Campbell and Allan MacLeod, midfielders Kenny MacLeod and Magnus Burd and forward Ally MacDonald. Chris Rose, who played against Fort William the previous week, was another absentee. Iain Munro took over in goal whilst Stewart Grant, Iain “Spod” MacLeod, Andrew Banks, Ally “Burgers” MacLeod and young Chris Campbell were drafted into the squad. Skye suffered an early blow when defender Iain “Spod” MacLeod had to come off after receiving a leg knock and he was replaced by David MacInnes. John Sweeney put Aberdeen ahead in the heavy rain which continued throughout the game. Skye levelled thanks to a terrific strike from Ally “Cloudi” MacLeod which nestled in the back of the home net to make it 1-1. Things didn’t look good for Skye when John Sweeney got his second and Jamie Dawson added a third to give the Students a 3-1 lead. However the Islanders fought back and goals from Alan Palmer and Iain MacLellan drew the tie level at 3-3 and referee John Matheson took the match to an extra time period. A trademark Angie MacDonald strike during the first half of extra time won the tie for Skye as the full forward notched his fifteenth goal of the season. However Skye had keeper Iain Munro to thanks for a great save in the final minute to prevent the tie going to penalties. This was a really determined performance from Skye against an Aberdeen side who were the better team for long periods in the game. However the spirit in the Islanders reserve squad cannot be denied and they now have a quarter final tie against Newtonmore at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree to look forward to. Skye Camanachd from; Iain Munro, David Grant (captain), Iain “Spod” MacLeod, Andrew Banks, DJ Gilpin, Ally “Burgers” MacLeod, Stewart Grant; Iain MacLellan, Alan Palmer, Ally “Cloudy” MacLeod, John Angus MacInnes, Angie MacDonald, subs David MacInnes, Chris Campbell Match Referee - John Matheson |