It was an extra time heart-break for Skye Camanachd as Lovat snatched an extra time winner to secure a place in the second round of the Sutherland Cup.
With neither side having their first teams in action, the Lovat team that travelled to Portree a couple of weeks ago was strengthened by the inclusion of several first team players including Fraser Gallagher and Greg Matheson. Skye were boosted by the inclusion of Jamie MacDonald, Iain Nicolson and Shockie MacLennan.
Lovat made the better start to the tie and Ross Graham in the Skye goal had to save well on a couple of occasions to keep his side in the game.
It was Skye who took the lead, perhaps slightly against the run of play, when Angie MacDonald fought to win the ball on the touchline and his cut back was converted by Danny Morrison. Just a couple of minutes later, Ross Graham made a terrific save to his right from a MacPherson shot.
Skye doubled their lead after 33 minutes when Danny Morrison set up Peter Gordon and the veteran striker made no mistake.
Just 2 minutes after the break, Jimmy MacKenzie pulled a goal back for Lovat when he converted from a corner.
Lovat drew level on the hour mark when Jamie Matheson gave Graham no chance. However Danny Morrison scored his fourth goal in two games just a minute later to restore Skye’s lead.
Jamie Matheson scrambled the ball over the line to level the match once again after 75 minutes. Danny Morrison almost restored Skye’s lead again but the Lovat keeper saved low to his right.
Referee Donnie MacRae blew for full time and took the match into an extra time period. Both sides had chances to take the lead and just when the crowd at Portree thought that the game was heading for penalties, James Matheson broke free to complete his hat-trick and give Lovat their vital third goal and the lead for the first time in the tie.
Skye will be bitterly disappointed to lose this match, especially with the quality of player they had on display. However few could grudge Lovat their win and they now progress to the Sutherland Cup second round to host Bute.
Skye Camanachd from; Ross Graham, (captain), David Grant, Martin Bruce, Andrew Banks, Jamie MacDonald, Stuart Grant, Kieran Roberts, (Robert Urquhart), Stewart Grant, (Shockie MacLennan), Peter Gordon, Danny Morrison, Iain Nicolson, Angie MacDonald, (Iain Morrison), sub Willie MacRae, (not used)