The 2010 Marine Harvest North Division 1 Title Race – How The League Was Won! | |
01 December 2010 Kilmallie were the eventual winners in an exciting 2010 Marine Harvest North Division 1 title race which went down to their last game of the season. Lochaber ran them close and we now look back over the season at where the league was won and lost between these near-neighbours. Saturday 6 March 2010. The new shinty season threw up on Saturday 6 March 2010 and despite the wintery weather, 14 of the scheduled 25 matches went ahead. However it was a false start for title rivals Kilmallie and Lochaber as unplayable pitches led to the postponement of Caberfeidh and Kilmallie’s meeting at Castle Leod and the game between Strathglass and Lochaber at Cannich. Saturday 13 March 2010. Kilmallie were too strong for Inverness at Canal Parks, eventually running out 5-1 winners. Kilmallie led at the break with 2 goals in 2 minutes thanks to strikes from Liam MacDonald on the half hour mark and Scottish international John Stewart a minute later. Inverness’s Fraser Heath pulled a goal back on 50 minutes but Liam MacDonald netted his second to restore the home side’s 2 goal advantage. John Stewart also scored his second of the game to make it 4-1 after 63 minutes and Kilmallie’s Michael Rodgers completed the scoring in the final minute. Lochaber got their league campaign off to the best possible start with a 3-2 win over Kinlochshiel at Spean Bridge. The home side had former youth player Jack Keenan in goal as a replacement for club stalwart Angus Morrison who retired at the end of last season. Ally Ferguson’s side went ahead after 35 minutes when Lachlan Campbell scored the only goal of the first half. Keith Neville made it 2-0 just 3 minutes into the second period but Shiel’s Gordy MacDonald pulled a goal back on 75 minutes. Sean Nicolson scored what proved to be a vital third goal for the home side just a couple of minutes from the final whistle. The goal was crucial as Keith MacRae netted for the visitors in injury time. Kilmallie – P1 – W1 – D0 – L0 – F5 – A1 – PTS2 Lochaber – P1 – W1 – D0 – L0 – F3 – A2 – PTS2 Saturday 20 March 2010. Kilmallie were in ruthless form against an under-strength Lochcarron side at Canal Parks. The visitor’s absentees included Kenny Ross who will be missing for several weeks with a hand injury. Scotland international John Stewart put the home side ahead after 9 minutes and Michael Rodger made it 2-0 on 22 minutes. Liam MacDonald added another 6 minutes later and Rodger notched his second just 2 minutes from the end to give Kilmallie a 4-0 half time lead. Peter MacIntyre made it 5-0 just 10 minutes into the second half and a Martin Stewart penalty on 68 minutes wrapped up a 6-0 victory. Its 2 wins out of 2 for Kilmallie who top the table ahead of Caberfeidh on goal difference. Lochaber had a free weekend in this 9 team league. Kilmallie – P2 – W2 – D0 – L0 – F11 – A1 – PTS4 Lochaber – P1 – W1 – D0 – L0 – F3 – A2 – PTS2 Saturday 27 March 2010. Kilmallie, were in Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Preliminary Round action. Bottom club Inverness knew that they faced a difficult home match against Lochaber at the Bught Park, Inverness. The visitors are determined to make a quick return to shinty’s top league and they re-iterated their desire with an emphatic 11-0 victory. All the Lochaber goals were scored by their 4 forwards. Lachlan Campbell scored 4 times, Keith Neville scored a hat-trick whilst Sean Nicolson and Zander Ferguson each scored doubles. Lochaber – P2 – W2 – D0 – L0 – F14 – A2 – PTS4 Kilmallie – P2 – W2 – D0 – L0 – F11 – A1 – PTS4 Saturday 3 April 2010. Kilmallie and Lochaber were both in MacTavish Cup first round action. Saturday 10 April 2010. The Balliemore Cup first round ties took place. Saturday 17 April 2010. Kinlochshiel came out on top in the Marine Harvest North Division 1 match of the day with a 3-1 victory over Kilmallie at Kirkton. Shiel’s Finlay MacRae followed up last week’s hat-trick against Strathglass by giving his side the lead after 12 minutes. MacRae chested down a corner from the right and hit the ball on the drop into the back of the net for a stunning opener. Kilmallie leveled from the penalty spot just 2 minutes into the second half. Martin Stewart expertly dispatched the spot hit past Ian Cameron in the Shiel goal. However a Keith MacRae double on 62 and 75 minutes gave Shiel their first league win of the season in this hard, physical encounter. Shiel’s reserve keeper Ian Cameron made a significant contribution with some fine saves and his side did enough to deserve to win the game. Lochaber and Lochcarron played out an exciting match at Spean Bridge. Veteran Alan MacKenzie gave the visitors the lead but Lachlan Campbell sent a screamer into to back of the net to level just moments later. Lochaber took the lead courtesy of a 30 yard shot form Scottish internationalist Shaun Nicolson which flew into the top corner of the net. However MacKenzie notched his second of the game to ensure the sides were all square at the break. A composed finish from Shaun Nicolson gave him his second goal and put Lochaber 3-2 ahead. A great effort from Ben Delaney from the wing centre position meant a 4-2 win for a Lochaber side who have won all their games this season. Lochaber – P3 – W3 – D0 – L0 – F18 – A4 – PTS6 Kilmallie – P3 – W2 – D0 – L1 – F12 – A4 – PTS4 Saturday 24 April 2010. Kilmallie and Lochaber were both in Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup first round action. Saturday 1 May 2010. Kilmallie and Lochaber were on MacTavish Cup Quarter Final duty. Saturday 8 May 2010. Kilmallie and Lochaber were playing in the first round of the Artemis Macaulay Cup. Saturday 15 May 2010. Kilmallie were in Balliemore Cup Quarter Final action. There was one rearranged match in Marine Harvest North Division 1 as Kinlochshiel and Lochaber met at Kirkton. The home side had been in good form of late after losing their opening 3 league games with the MacRae brothers Keith, Finlay and John all featuring amongst their goal scorers. Shiel were missing defender John Don MacKenzie thanks to a training injury and fellow defender Zander Grant with an ankle knock. David Falconer came in to make his first team debut at wing back and his performance impressed managers Keith Loades and Johnston Gill. Lochaber had former manager Michael Delaney back in charge following the resignation last week of boss Ally Ferguson and his assistant Jason Latto. These two well matched sides fought out a very competitive match which provided great entertainment for the west coast crowd. Lochaber shocked the home support by racing into an early 2 goal lead. Keith Neville scored them both – the first a penalty awarded by referee Deek Cameron on 8 minutes and the second was a 22 minute strike which beat Shiel keeper Graham Kennedy. Shiel got themselves back into the game on 28 minutes when John MacRae weaved his way through the visiting defence and slotted the ball past keeper Jake Keenan. Finlay MacRae leveled the match on 35 minutes with a contender for goal of the season. MacRae collected the ball on the half way line and beat everyone in front of him before him before dispatching the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-2. The second half served up more of the same and the visitors regained the lead on the hour mark when an Andrew MacDonald shot was deflected past keeper Kennedy. However Shiel were level just 2 minutes later when Finlay MacRae netted his second to make it 3-3. Lochaber were given a great chance to snatch the points when they were awarded their second penalty of the game after 86 minutes. However keeper Kennedy saved the spot hit to keep the match level. This boosted Shiel and Keith MacRae scored what proved to be the winner just 2 minutes from time. This really was a fantastic game of shinty and had it not been from a couple of point-blank saves from Lochaber keeper Keenan, and one miraculous stop when he tipped a Finlay MacRae rocket shot over the bar, the winning margin could have been greater. The victory means that Kinlochshiel leap-frog Caberfeidh to go top of the table. Lochaber – P4 – W3 – D0 – L1 – F21 – A8 – PTS6 Kilmallie – P3 – W2 – D0 – L1 – F12 – A4 – PTS4 Saturday 22 May 2010. Kilmallie and Lochaber were playing in the Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup second round. Saturday 29 May 2010. Kilmallie were in MacTavish Cup semi final action whilst Lochaber played in the Balliemore Cup. Saturday 5 June 2010. The Marine Harvest North Division 1 match of the day was in Portree where Skye Camanachd and Lochaber clashed. Skye were given a boost when Iain Nicolson and Kenny Campbell were passed fit to play following injuries picked up in the defeat to Kinlochshiel last weekend. However Shockie MacLennan was ruled out with a collar-bone injury. Jamie MacDonald returned in defence after suspension and there was a start for forward Danny Morrison. Dougie Rankin and AB Connor were unavailable. Allan MacKinnon dropped down to the second team whilst Iain Morrison and Neil MacVicar were joined by the returning Ally MacLennan on the bench. Lochaber manager Michael Delaney was without full forward Andrew MacDonald, who scored their winner against Lochcarron last weekend, Christopher Innes and James MacRae. A toe injury meant Danny Delaney started on the bench with fellow U17 players Stuart Callison and Brennan MacDonald. However Donald MacRae returned to the starting line-up. Skye started well and almost took the lead after 4 minutes when Alan Palmer thumped a cross from the right off the Lochaber crossbar with keeper Jake Keenan beaten. However Skye did take the lead just 3 minutes later when Kenny Campbell fired a shot on goal from midfield and the ball went into the net of Kennan’s foot. It was 2-0 just a couple of minutes later. Kerr Gibb accurately lobbed a ball on target from 25 yards out and Kennan seemed to lose the flight of the ball and it went into the net off his stick. Lochaber responded and it took a superb block from Steven Morrison to deny the visitors. Referee Graham Irving awarded the visitors a free hit from the resultant melee and Ben Delaney shot just wide of target. Somhairle MacDonald caused havoc in the visiting defence after 15 minutes but the ball was cleared for a corner which fell to Iain Nicolson but he sent a shot just the wrong side of the post. Skye went 3-0 up on 20 minutes when a shot from Iain Nicolson on the right took a deflection on its way into the net. Incredibly just 2 minutes later it was 4-0 and the Skye supporters could barely believe what they were watching. This time Gilleasbuig MacDonald collected a corner from the right and he crashed a shot from near the touchline into the net. Skye were rampant and Somhairle MacDonald came deep to collect a pass from defence on 36 minutes. He played a great ball forward to Iain Nicolson who slipped in Alan Palmer but the Lochaber defence cleared the ball for a corner. Everything seemed to be going right for Skye until the 43 minute when Jamie MacDonald made a lung-bursting run down the right. He successfully rode 3 challenges before stretching to hold onto possession. However he twisted his knee in the process and lay in agony on the turf. MacDonald was treated by Skye medic Dr Wilson Banks and was given until half time to see if he could return to the field of play but he had to replaced. There was still time for Iain Nicolson to have a shot cleared off the line before the first 45 minutes were up. Neil MacVicar replaced MacDonald at the start of the second period with Gilleasbuig MacDonald moving to buckshee back. Skye’s Steven Morrison was caught with a late swing on 51 minutes. His protests to referee Irving did no more than earn him a yellow card. Jake Keenan saved well with his hand from a Kerr Gibb shot on 56 minutes and Neil MacVicar went close from the resultant corner. Lochaber pulled a goal back on 63 minutes. A corner from the right caused a scramble in front of the Skye goal and Donald MacRae tucked the ball into the net to make it 4-1. Skye went 5-1 up after 67 minutes. Alan Palmer spread a pass wide on the right to Kenny Campbell and he slammed the ball low into the corner of the net. Kerr Gibb picked up a knock to his knee after 76 minutes and he was replaced by Iain Morrison. Lochaber had created several chances in the second half and from one of these, substitute Stuart Callison played a neat ball across goal after 82 minutes which found the unmarked Ben Delaney at the back post and he beat Gannon to make it 5-2. Just 2 minutes later Donald MacRae turned his marker and lobbed the ball forward. Stuart Callison latched onto the dropping ball and hit a first time volley past the helpless Gannon. With a minute remaining, Skye substitute Iain Morrison ran at the Lochaber defence. With 3 defenders closing in on him, Morrison was brought crashing to the ground just outside the D. Kenny Campbell found Alan Palmer from the free hit and he fired the ball into the net to make it 6-3 for the Islanders. Skye were well served by Steven Morison, Kerr Gibb and man of the match Kenny Campbell whilst buckshee back Neil MacDonald was influential for the Spean Bridge side. Strathglass gave a great account of themselves against Kilmallie at Cannich. The Strath were without Gordie Fraser following his red card against Inverness the previous weekend whilst Peter Carmichael was available again for Kilmallie following suspension. In the end, goals from Donald Fraser and Robert Geddes for the home side were cancelled out by a Peter MacIntyre strike and a double from Liam MacDonald as Kilmallie ran out 3-2 winners. Lochaber – P5 – W3 – D0 – L2 – F24 – A14 – PTS6 Kilmallie – P4 – W3 – D0 – L1 – F15 – A6 – PTS6 Saturday 12 June 2010. Caberfeidh and second place Kilmallie met at Castle Leod. Cabers officially opened their impressive new changing room complex the previous weekend and they have been a match for any side on their own pitch this season. Kilmallie struggled to beat Strathglass at Cannich last weekend but their players did not let their attention drift to next week’s MacTavish Cup Final against Kingussie as they racked up an impressive 5-0 win. Mark Graham scored the only goal of the first half after 20 minutes. Donald Lamont made it 2-0 on 61 minutes. Scottish international John Stewart sealed the win with a hat-trick on 66, 75 and 87 minutes. Kilmallie look to be on form ahead of their trip to the Bught next weekend. Kilmallie – P5 – W4 – D0 – L1 – F20 – A6 – PTS8 Lochaber – P5 – W3 – D0 – L2 – F24 – A14 – PTS6 Saturday 19 June 2010. The first senior cup final of the season was a thrilling affair as a brave Kilmallie side eventually went down 5-4 against a determined Kingussie outfit in the Co-operative MacTavish Cup Final at the Bught Park, Inverness. Saturday 26 June 2010. Lochaber were back in action after a 2 week break when they played Caberfeidh at Spean Bridge. Lochaber had lost 2 of their 5 league games and were anxious to pick up 2 points to maintain their title challenge. Third place Cabers have become draw specialists after sharing the points in 5 of their 9 league fixtures so far this season. In fact after winning their first 2 games, the Castle Leod side went on to draw 5 and lose 2 of their next 7 games. In the end it was the home side who ran out 4-3 winners in an exciting match. Ben Delaney scored twice – both from the spot - for the home side whilst veteran Angus Morrison and internationalist Shaun Nicolson got the others. Kevin Bartlett netted for Cabers, also from the spot, and Lee Nicol bagged a double. Kilmallie – P5 – W4 – D0 – L1 – F20 – A6 – PTS8 Lochaber – P6 – W4 – D0 – L2 – F28 – A17 – PTS8 Saturday 3 July 2010. Shinty Sixes was to the fore as the Marine Harvest Premier Sixes took place at An Aird, Fort William and the non top division sides played in an alternative sixes competition at the Bught Park, Inverness. Lochaber and Kilmallie were in Balliemore Cup semi final action in a evening match at Spean Bridge with the home side coming back from 2-0 down to win 3-2. Saturday 10 July 2010. Second place Beauly missed the chance to go top of the league when they went down 5-1 to Lochaber at Spean Bridge. Ben Delaney scored a double for the second successive Saturday whilst veteran Angus Morrison, Shaun Nicolson and Scot Patterson got the others. Barry MacDonald replied for Beauly. Michael Delaney’s Lochaber side now go fourth – just behind Kilmallie on goal difference although Kilmallie have a game in hand. Kilmallie returned to the scene of their epic Co-operative MacTavish Cup Final against Kingussie and beat Inverness 8-0 at the Bught Park. Now that they are out of the cups, Kilmallie can turn their full attention to league duty. Liam MacDonald was fit to play after being withdrawn at the break during last week’s Balliemore Cup semi final defeat to Lochaber. Scottish international John Stewart scored a hat-trick and Robbie MacFadyen, Donald Lamont, Liam MacDonald, Lewis Birrell and Liam Cameron got the others as Kilmallie – who were missing 8 players from their first team squad - climb to third place in the table. Kilmallie – P6 – W5 – D0 – L1 – F28 – A6 – PTS10 Lochaber – P7 – W5 – D0 – L2 – F33 – A18 – PTS10 Saturday 17 July 2010. Kinlochshiel won the 2010 Balliemore Cup after a thrilling final against Lochaber which went all the way to a penalty shoot-out. The league match between Kilmallie and second place Beauly was postponed as Canal Parks was unplayable. Saturday 24 July 2010. Ben Delaney scored twice – once from the penalty spot – as Lochaber were 4-0 winners in the 12 noon throw up against Inverness at Spean Bridge. The win takes Lochaber into third place in the table. They trail leaders Kinlochshiel by 2 points but have 2 games in hand. The result of the day probably belonged to Lochcarron who beat a much fancied Kilmallie side 4-3 at Battery Park. Kilmallie lead 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from Michael Rodgers on 33 minutes and Martin Stewart 5 minutes before the break. However strikes from Gregor Cushnie 3 minutes into the second half, Mark Sproule on 65 minutes, Alan MacKenzie on 70 minutes and Crisdean Finlayson 4 minutes later put Lochcarron 4-2 up before Martin Stewart netted a last minute penalty for Kilmallie. Lochcarron move into second place, a point behind leaders Kinlochshiel with both sides having played 10 games. It’s a remarkable turnaround for the side who finished bottom of the table last season. Lochaber – P8 – W6 – D0 – L2 – F37 – A18 – PTS12 Kilmallie – P7 – W5 – D0 – L2 – F31 – A10 – PTS10 Saturday 31 July 2010. Third place Lochaber were too strong for fourth place Beauly when the sides met at Braeview Park. Beauly were without the services of keeper Martin Davidson who started a 2 match ban following his sending off against Skye Camanachd the previous weekend. Full centre Connor Cormack was also missing after breaking his leg in training during the week. Forward Marc MacLauchlan was also unavailable. Lochaber were without Lachlan Campbell who ws on holiday but buckshee back Neil MacDonald returned after injury. Shaun Nicolson put Lochaber ahead on 28 minutes and a Donald MacRae goal on 42 minutes gave them a 2-0 half time lead. Ben Delaney made it 3-0 for the visitors on 65 minutes whilst Donald MacRae added his second 5 minutes later to make it 4-0. Beauly captain Sean Stewart pulled a goal back a couple of minutes after but Donald MacRae completed his hat-trick 8 minutes from the end. The 5-1 win takes Lochaber top of the league on goal difference. A last gasp penalty from Kenny Campbell earned Skye Camanachd a 2-2 draw against Kilmallie in their Marine Harvest North Division 1 match at Pairc nan Laoch, Portree. Skye first team manager Aonghas MacDonald made 2 enforced changes to his starting line-up from the win over Beauly the previous week. Neil MacVicar replaced the injured Kerr Gibb in midfield and Allan MacLeod started in attack in place of the unavailable Iain Nicolson. Peter Gordon replaced Willie MacRae on the bench where 16 year old Shaun Hedley was also included for the first time. Kilmallie’s international forward John Stewart returned to the side following his honeymoon and this left the Canal Park men at full strength. Skye created the first chance of the game after 2 minutes when a sweeping move started by full back Steven Morrison, saw Iain Morrison play in Allan MacKinnon, but he tugged his shot wide of the target. A minute later Kilmallie created an even better opportunity but Liam Cameron’s drive rose over the junction between post and crossbar. Kilmallie took the lead on 14 minutes with a well created goal. Martin Stewart took a disputed corner from the right, John Stewart knocked the ball down into the path of Liam MacDonald who slammed the ball into the net. A bursting run from Iain Morrison after 18 minutes created a chance but he passed the ball rather than shooting. Skye leveled on 20 minutes when an Allan Macleod pass got in behind the Kilmallie defence and found Allan MacKinnon who ran free of his marker on the Skye right and netted from a tight angle. A clever overhead flick from John Stewart almost caught out the Skye defence but the ball dropped wide of Jamie Gannon’s left post. Kilmallie regained the lead on 25 minutes when John Stewart ran at the home defence and cracked a 20 yard drive which Jamie Gannon got his left hand to but could not keep out of the net. Skye’s Gilleasbuig MacDonald sent a looping ball forward a couple of minutes later which dropped just past Kevin Toy’s left post. Skye were enjoying most of the pressure as they tried to get on equal terms before the break. Allan MacKinnon shot wide on 29 minutes and 3 minutes later the same player was denied when Kevin Toye rushed from goal to beat him to a through ball. Allan MacLeod was off target and then another Allan MacKinnon drive flashed wide of the goal. The last chance of the first half went to Kilmallie as Mark MacPherson pushed forward but his shot was wide of Jamie Gannon’s goal. A fantastic challenge from Andrew Banks on 53 minutes denied Martin Stewart when the Kilmallie striker was through on goal. Allan MacKinnon neatly turned his marker Martin Graham a couple of minutes later and passed to Danny Morrison who fired past the post. Jamie Gannon saved well from John Stewart on 57 minutes and Andrew Banks cleared the danger at the expense of a shy. Gannon saved again with his feet following a Kilmallie free hit - with the visitors claiming for a penalty for a kick – and the Skye defence managed to scramble the ball away for a corner. Kenny Campbell deflected a Ross Lavin drive for a corner on 64 minutes. Skye were being roared on by the home support as they tried desperately for an equalising goal. Ian Robertson fouled Allan MacLeod on 66 minutes and Kenny Campbell slipped the free-hit to Danny Morrison. However Morrison’s shot went the wrong side of the post. Gilleasbuig MacDonald surged forward on 70 minutes and played in Allan MacKinnon on the Skye left. However MacKinnon opted to pass rather than shoot and his pass into the danger area was intercepted. Good work from Andrew Banks won Skye possession a minute later and he fed Kenny Campbell who dribbled forwarded before being crowded out by the visiting defence. John Stewart required treatment to his neck from Skye medic Dr Wilson Banks on 72 minutes when he was caught in a sandwich between Steven Morrison and Andrew Banks. Jamie Gannon produced the save of the match on 76 minutes from a Michael Rodgers piledriver. Skye Camanachd veteran Peter Gordon came on for the toiling Allan MacLeod on 79 minutes and the 1990 Camanachd Cup winner was immediately involved in the action. Kilmallie’s Liam MacDonald shot wide of the goal on 81 minutes as Kilmallie looked to seal the points. Just when it seemed as if all Skye’s effort’s would be in vain, a sweeping move involving Peter Gordon and Iain Morrison found Kenny Campbell who had his legs taken from him inside the D. Referee Evan MacRae blew for a penalty just a second before Danny Morrison slammed the stray ball into the net. Kenny Campbell dusted himself down and stepped forward to take the hit. The Pairc nan Laoch crowd were hushed, probably mindful of Skye’s recent poor record from the penalty spot, but they needn’t have worried as Campbell fired a shoulder high shot past Kevin Toye to his right to make it 2-2. There was still time for a major scare in the Skye goalmouth before the final whistle. The Skye defence scrambled to clear a Kilmallie attack and with Jamie Gannon on the ground, Kilmallie claimed furiously for a penalty but to no avail. Lochaber – P9 – W7 – D0 – L2 – F42 – A19 – PTS14 Kilmallie – P8 – W5 – D1 – L2 – F33 – A12 – PTS11 Saturday 7 August 2010. Kinlochshiel missed out on the chance to go top of the league when they went down 5-3 to Kilmallie at Canal Parks. Shiel were without buckshee back John Don MacKenzie who served the second game of a 2 match ban following his sending off in the Balliemore Cup Final. Shiel were up against a determined Kilmallie side that was desperate for the points after recently dropping 3 out of 4 against the other two west coast sides, Lochcarron and Skye Camanachd. Fraser Massie gave the home side a 3 minute lead but Shiel’s Neil Fraser made it 1-1 on 11 minutes. The visitors took the lead through Keith MacRae on 21 minutes but a John Stewart goal on the stroke of half time ensured the sides went in to the break all square. Stewart added his second on 70 minutes and Peter MacIntyre made it 4-2 just 7 minutes later. Finlay MacRae looked to have set up a thrilling climax to the game when he made it 4-3 on 89 minutes but Kilmallie went straight up the park and John Stewart completed his hat-trick in the last minute. League leaders Lochaber were not in action. Lochaber – P9 – W7 – D0 – L2 – F42 – A19 – PTS14 Kilmallie – P9 – W6 – D1 – L2 – F38 – A15 – PTS13 Saturday 14 August 2010. Lochaber beat Skye Camanachd 4-1 to at Spean Bridge to stay top of the league. First team manager Aonghas MacDonald made 2 changes to his starting line-up from the draw with Inverness the previous week. Keeper Jamie Gannon was on holiday so Michael Nicolson stepped up from the second team. Defender Andrew Banks was also out with a leg injury so Iain Nicolson dropped back into defence with Danny Morrison returning in attack. Allan MacLeod suffered a recurrence of his hamstring injury and he was replaced on the bench by Kerr Gibb who returned following a shoulder injury. Martin Bruce was to come into the side but he was still hampered by a groin injury picked up in the U17 midweek win over Kingussie so Stewart Grant came into the squad. Lochaber were without the injured Danny Delaney and veteran Angus Morrison took up the goalkeeping position in place of Jake Keenan. Skye made a lively start and Iain Morrison spurned a great chance to open the scoring after just 2 minutes when he shot wide from just outside the D. Skye were punished after 6 minutes when they passed up a couple of opportunities to clear the ball from defence. Lochaber forward Donald MacRae made space for himself before turning and firing a rocket shot which gave Skye keeper Michael Nicolson no chance. Skye enjoyed possession in front of goal but Angus Morrison dealt competently with everything that came his way. At the other end, Skye keeper Michael Nicolson also had several tidy clearances. A lackluster first half ended with Lochaber 1-0 ahead. Skye lost captain Steven Morrison after 61 minutes when he suffered a blow to the knee. John Moir moved to full back with Kerr Gibb coming on at wing back. A minute later, Skye were level. There was a scramble in the Lochaber area and Somhairle MacDonald sent a rocket shot from outside the D which ended up in the roof of the net off keeper Morrison’s chest. Skye manager Aonghas MacDonald made a straight swap taking Stewart Grant on in place of Neil MacVicar in midfield. Lochaber were awarded a penalty by referee Russell Ross when keeper Michael Nicolson went to ground over the ball. However Nicolson made amends when the normally dependable Ben Delaney didn’t catch the spot hit as he would have like and Nicolson saved with his feet and cleared the danger. Lochaber regained the lead on 69 minutes when Shaun Nicolson burst free of his marker and sent a rasping 25 yard shot into the roof of the net. Donald MacRae scored his second goal of the game on 76 minutes to put Lochaber 3-1 ahead. Skye introduced Donnie Campbell in place of Iain Morrison. Shaun Nicolson completed the scoring on 86 minutes with a bullet shot into the net. John Moir picked up a knock on the toe in the closing minutes meaning he could join the club’s ever increasing injury list. Skye tried to get into the game in the second half but they were unable to hold the ball up front for any sustained period so Lochaber ran out deserved winners. Kilmallie were in ruthless form as they beat Strathglass 11-0 at Canal Parks. Kilmallie confirmed their place in the championship race with good win over Kinlochshiel last weekend and they followed that up with another impressive win. Kilmallie had 7 different scorers with John Stewart and Peter MacIntyre grabbing the headlines with a hat-trick each. John Stewart opened the scoring on 5 minutes and his brother Martin Stewart made it 2-0 a couple of minutes later. Fraser Massie scored on 18 minutes whilst John Stewart added his second on 22 minutes to give the home side a 4-0 interval lead. Peter MacIntyre made it 5-0 a minute in to the second half and John Stewart completed his hat-trick a couple of minutes later to take his tally to 23 for the season. Liam MacDonald got on to the scoresheet as he made it 7-0 on 54 minutes and MacIntyre added his second on 70 minutes. Donald Lamont made it 9-0 on 75 minutes whilst Peter MacIntyre completed his hat-trick 2 minutes later. A Michael Rodger goal 3 minutes from time completed the 11-0 rout. Lochaber – P10 – W8 – D0 – L2 – F46 – A20 – PTS16 Kilmallie – P10 – W7 – D1 – L2 – F49 – A15 – PTS15 Saturday 21 August 2010. The match of the day in Marine Harvest North Division 1 was at Canal Parks where leaders Kilmallie hosted Lochaber. Lochaber were without injured wing back Danny Delaney who has been an absentee since the Balliemore Cup Final with a hamstring problem. Kilmallie’s tough defender Peter Carmichael was on holiday. After a goalless first half, John Stewart put the home side ahead on 75 minutes but Shaun Nicolson levelled 2 minutes from time. Lochaber had defender Neil MacDonald ordered off by referee Ron Kennedy late in the game. Lochaber – P11 – W8 – D1 – L2 – F47 – A21 – PTS17 Kilmallie – P11 – W7 – D2 – L2 – F50 – A16 – PTS16 Saturday 28 August 2010. The Marine Harvest North Division 1 title race continued to be finely balanced between Lochaber and Kilmallie with the Spean Bridge men maintaining their one point lead at the top of the table following a 4-1 win over Strathglass. Lochaber were without their suspended buckshee back Neil MacDonald. Goals from Shaun Nicolson, Ben Delaney, Alan Knox and Connor Sweeney put the Spean Bridge men 4-0 up before Robert Geddes’ late response from Strathglass. A goal blitz at the start of the second half saw Skye Camanachd go down 7-1 to promotion hopefuls Kilmallie at Canal Parks. Skye first team manager Aonghas MacDonald made 2 changes to his starting line-up from the derby win over Kinlochshiel the previous weekend. Scotland squad player Jamie Gannon returned in goal in place of Michael Nicolson. Kenny Campbell started at full forward in place of Iain Morrison who dropped on to the bench. Alan Palmer returned after a 5 week absence because of work commitments and he was also on the bench. Last week’s substitute Shaun Hedley missed out as he was working. Kilmallie were without buckshee back Peter Carmichael who was on holiday and wing centre Liam Cameron. There were chances at both ends in the opening minutes. First a Danny Morrison shot flashed wide of target and then Jamie Gannon had to make a diving save at the expense of a corner. Gannon saved from Liam MacDonald after 6 minutes when he was again forced to turn the ball away for a corner. The Skye keeper saved with his legs from Peter MacIntyre a minute later. Skye went back on the offensive after 10 minutes. Neil MacVicar won possession in midfield and played the ball forward. Danny Morrison, Iain Nicolson and Kenny Campbell combined before Somhairle MacDonald smashed the ball wide of keeper Kevin Toye’s right hand post. Skye had a lucky escape on 14 minutes when Jamie Gannon saved a shot which came through a ruck of players with his foot. Kilmallie looked to referee Deek Cameron for a penalty and their claims seemed to have some justification. Somhairle MacDonald lost his marker on 16 minutes and cut in from the Skye left. However his shot flew wide of Toye’s left hand post. Skye continued to press and a minute later Kenny Campbell won possession on the Skye left and cut in on goal but he couldn’t get a shot on target. On 21 minutes Danny Morrison brought down a ball from midfield and laid off a neat pass to Somhairle MacDonald but his shot rose over the bar. Danny Morrison came close to opening the scoring on 26 minutes when he sent a low shot goalwards but Toye managed to scramble away his effort at his left post. Kilmallie should have gone ahead on 28 minutes when a sweeping move down their right split the Skye defence. The ball was played in front of goal to Peter MacIntyre but to his dismay, his shot was deflected for a corner. Mark MacPherson sent in a terrific corner from the left which Jamie Gannon was forced to palm away from almost under his crossbar. Peter MacIntyre made amends for his miss when he was first to react and he knocked the ball into the net to put Kilmallie 1-0 up. Skye almost levelled on the half hour mark when Kerr Gibb fired a terrific 30 yard shot but Toye made a super save above his head with his stick. Toye then saved with his feet from a Gilleasbuig MacDonald effort from the resultant corner. Skye threatened from another corner a minute later. This time Kevin Toye saved with his hand from a Kenny Campbell effort. Skye were made to pay for their missed chances on 33 minutes when Kilmallie broke with speed and John Stewart turned his marker before shooting high past Gannon to make it 2-0. Kilmallie almost went 3-0 up 2 minutes from the break but Steven Morrison managed to clear the ball off the goal line. Kilmallie hit Skye with a goal blitz at the start of the second half. With just a minute gone, Michael Rodger cut across goal and sent a wicked shot goalwards which seemed to bounce off the surface and past Gannon to make it 3-0. A minute later it was 4-0 when John Stewart blasted home from a corner. Gilleasbuig MacDonald gave Skye hope on 48 minutes when his shot deceived Toye and nestled in the back of the net. However Kilmallie restored their 4 goal advantage on 49 minutes when Liam MacDonald finished off a good passing move to make it 5-1. Peter MacIntyre scored his second on 53 minutes when the Skye defence was again cut open and the forward fired into the roof of the net. Skye were forced to replace buckshee back Shockie MacLennan on 62 minutes. He had been suffering with a back problem from early in the first half and he was replaced by Stewart Grant with Kerr Gibb dropping into the defence. Iain Nicolson beat his marker on 65 minutes but Toye made another good save above his head. Kilmallie’s Martin Stewart was spoken to for a petulant shove on Gilleasbuig MacDonald on 71 minutes and moments later Michael Rodger was booked for going in late on young Skye defender Martin Bruce. Rodger was subbed moments later. Iain Morrison replaced Danny Morrison – who worked tirelessly all afternoon - after 73 minutes. Alan Palmer came on in place of Kenny Campbell and looked lively after his lay-off. With just 5 minutes remaining, John Stewart drilled the ball past an unsighted Gannon to make it 7-1. Toye saved with his caman 2 minutes from time after Iain Nicolson, Alan Palmer and Somhairle MacDonald had linked up Lochaber – P12 – W9 – D1 – L2 – F51 – A22 – PTS19 Kilmallie – P12 – W8 – D2 – L2 – F57 – A17 – PTS18 Saturday 4 September 2010. The top 2 sides in the league were both away from home. Kilmallie continued their clinical spree in front of goal with a 5-1 victory over Beauly at Braeview Park where John Stewart scored a hat-trick for the second consecutive weekend. Kilmallie had Peter Carmichael available again but Martin Graham was missing as he was running the Ben Nevis Hill Race. John Stewart opened the scoring on 16 minutes but Beauly player / manager Stephen MacLean led by example when he made it 1-1 just 16 minutes later. However the lead didn’t last long as the impressive Stewart added his second a couple of minutes later. Liam MacDonald made it 3-1 on 29 minutes and John Stewart went on to complete his hat-trick on 54 minutes. Kilmallie midfielder Mark MacPherson burst forward to score from the left 3 minutes from time to keep his side in the title hunt. Lochaber were also on the road as they headed for Castle Leod to play Caberfeidh. Michael Delaney’s side was under-strength when they beat Strathglass last weekend but they had more options this week. The Spean Bridge side took a 2-0 first half lead thanks to a Shaun Nicolson double on 34 and 39 minutes. The second was a penalty awarded by referee Russell Ross. However a second half Iain MacDonald goal on 67 minutes ensured a nervy finish for Michael Delaney’s side but they held on to take both points to stay a point ahead of Kilmallie with 3 matches remaining. Lochaber – P13 – W10 – D1 – L2 – F53 – A23 – PTS21 Kilmallie – P13 – W9 – D2 – L2 – F62 – A18 – PTS20 Saturday 11 September 2010. League leaders Lochaber ran out 8-1 winners at home to bottom side Strathglass. The sides met at Cannich last weekend with Michael Delaney’s side running out 2-1 winners thanks to a Shaun Nicolson double but this was a more emphatic victory. Nicolson was on fire again in this match, scoring 5 times. U17 forward Stuart Callison, veteran Angus Morrison and Scott Patterson scored their others. Robert Geddes actually opened the scoring for Strathglass after he was set up by Garry Reid. Lochaber’s young wing back Danny Delaney made a substitute appearance after an absence with hamstring problems in both legs. The win means that Lochaber retain their single point lead over Kilmallie at the top of the table. The result also means that Strathglass will finish bottom of the table. However it is not yet clear if the bottom side will face relegation. Marine Harvest North Division 2 is likely to be won by either Glengarry or Glenurquhart and neither side has confirmed a wish to be promoted. Even if one of the sides did make the step up, the Camanachd Association may opt to remain with a 9 team Marine Harvest North Division 1 as a north club will not relegated from the Scottish Hydro Premier Division this season. Kilmallie remain in second place following their 6-2 win over Beauly at Canal Parks. The sides met at Braeview Park last week with Scottish international John Stewart bagging a hat-trick in his side’s 5-1 victory. Stewart has been in a rich vein of form of late scoring 4 hat-tricks in his last 5 outings, taking his total for the season to 31 goals. He bagged a double in this one, putting Kilmallie ahead after just 2 minutes. Ross Lavin made it 2-0 on 6 minutes but a Conor Ross strike on 41 minutes reduced the home side’s advantage at the break. Fraser Massie restored Kilmallie’s 2 goal advantage when he made it 3-1 just 10 minutes in to the second half. However Beauly fought back again and David MacLean reduced the deficit with a 75 minute effort. However late goals from Michael Rodger on 79 minutes and Peter MacIntyre 2 minutes from time ensured Kilmallie ran out 6-2 winners. Lochaber – P14 – W11 – D1 – L2 – F61 – A24 – PTS23 Kilmallie – P14 – W10 – D2 – L2 – F68 – A20 – PTS22 Saturday 18 September 2010. The Scottish Hydro Camanachd Cup Final ended Kingussie 2 Fort William 3. Saturday 25 September 2010. Kilmallie placed one hand on the Marine Harvest North Division 1 title following their impressive 5-1 win against Lochaber at Spean Bridge. John Stewart put them ahead after 10 minutes whilst a Martin Stewart penalty on the half hour mark made it 2-0. Ross Lavin converted a penalty on the stroke of half time to put Kilmallie 3-0 up. Liam MacDonald on 53 minutes and Michael Rodger 10 minutes later made it 5-0 before Shaun Nicolson scored a consolation goal for Lochaber on 75 minutes. Lochaber had more of the game than the scoreline suggests but now Kilmallie’s goal difference is such that they only need to avoid defeat at home to Caberfeidh next weekend to win the title and promotion to shinty’s top flight. Kilmallie – P15 – W11 – D2 – L2 – F73 – A21 – PTS24 Lochaber – P15 – W11 – D1 – L3 – F62 – A29 – PTS23 Saturday 2 October 2010. Kilmallie clinched the Marine Harvest North Division 1 title and promotion to shinty’s top flight with a 6-0 win over Caberfeidh at Canal Parks. A big crowd turned out for this 1pm throw up with many supporters then planning to head for An Aird for the Fort William, Newtonmore clash. Kilmallie were at full strength but opted to start with Fraser Massie in place of Peter MacIntyre in attack. Caberfeidh had several absentees including Brian MacGregor, Lee Nicol and Donald MacDonald. Scotland U21 player Liam MacDonald settled home fan nerves with a 12 minute strike although home keeper Kevin Toye had to make a couple of smart early saves to preserve his side’s lead. Kilmallie went 2-0 up on 34 minutes when Michael Rodger danced through the visiting defence to score a good goal. A John Stewart rocket shot a minute later made it 3-0 – his 33rd goal of the season - and Kilmallie began to take control of the game. Michael Rodger used his body to muscle out his marker on 36 minutes and he slipped the ball into the net to make it 4-0. Kilmallie went 5-0 up on 49 minutes when Fraser Massie shot home from 15 yards. Peter MacIntyre then replaced Liam MacDonald for the home side’s attack. A brilliant swerving 35 yard strike from Martin Stewart completed the scoring 3 minutes from time. The league trophy was presented to Kilmallie captain John Stewart by Steve Bracken from Marine Harvest and the Canal Parks side can look forward to life in shinty’s top division next Kilmallie – P16 – W12 – D2 – L2 – F79 – A21 – PTS26 Lochaber – P15 – W11 – D1 – L3 – F62 – A29 – PTS23 Saturday 9 October 2010. The final match in Marine Harvest North Division 1 took place at Battery Park where Lochcarron hosted Lochaber. Both sides took the opportunity to experiment with the league title settled. Lochaber boss Michael Delaney’ missed the game as he was looking after the club’s U17 side who had a London Shield semi final against Lochaber U17 at Invergarry on the same day. Lochaber were also without Danny Delaney, Brennan MacDonald, Connor Sweeney and Stuart Callison as they were also in U17 action. Wing forward Martin Johnston got the visitors off to a great start with a 6 minute goal. However Lochcarron’s Mark Sproule levelled on 28 minutes. Calum Cameron put Lochaber ahead again on 39 minutes and Martin Johnston added his second 3 minutes later to give Lochaber a 3-1 interval lead. Former Scotland Head Coach Fraser MacKenzie got the final touch to reduce Lochaber’s advantage to a single goal 5 minutes into the second half and Mark Sproule notched his second goal on 65 minutes to level the game at 3-3. Lochaber finished strongly though and Scottish international Neil MacDonald, who normally plays buckshee back, put Lochaber 4-3 up and Ben Delaney added his name to the score-sheet 60 seconds later. There was sill time for Neil MacDonald, who was obviously enjoying his more advanced role, to score his second goal 5 minutes from time to give Lochaber a 6-3 victory. Lochaber finished in second place whilst Lochcarron are fifth in what is a huge improvement on last year’s bottom side. Kilmallie – P16 – W12 – D2 – L2 – F79 – A21 – PTS26 Lochaber – P16 – W12 – D1 – L3 – F68 – A32 – PTS25 Kilmallie are Marine Harvest North Division 1 Champions! |