Portree High School Reach 2015 MacPherson Cup Final | |
24 May 2015 Portree High School reached the final of the 2015 MacPherson Cup before losing 2-1 to Lochaber High School at An Aird on Tuesday 19 May 2015. Holders Lochaber High and Portree High battled it out in blustery and chilly conditions with Lochaber retaining the trophy by the narrowest of margins. Both teams settled well into the game and both defences were on top form with little pressure to trouble either goalkeeper. It was end to end stuff right up to the half way mark with Lochaber having slightly more possession although neither team were able to find the net. Lochaber made the breakthrough 10 minutes after the restart when Victor Smith scored with a well-taken shot from 20 yards out to make it 1-0. Undaunted, Portree came back strongly and their perseverance and slick passing paid off 12 minutes later when Niall MacPhee equalised to make it 1-1. With the game finely balanced, Lochaber piled on the pressure but despite breaking through on several occasions, they couldn’t find the finishing touch. With the last few seconds of the match ticking away and extra-time looking inevitable, a string of clever passes set up Lochaber’s Johnny Forster and he slotted the ball home to make it 2-1 with literally the last hit of the game. In a very entertaining and exciting encounter, both teams displayed a high level of skill and sportsmanship well worthy of a final. Fort William player Arran MacPhee refereed the game whilst Lovat Shinty Club provided the match balls. |