Post by Brian Mackay on Jul 6, 2007 9:29:26 GMT
Thurso Pentland look destined for the drop
By Iain Grant
Published: 06 July, 2007
RELEGATION blues are fast enveloping Thurso Pentland, who look destined to make a quick return to the second division of the John O'Groat Journal County League.
Wick Thistle are also in the mire and will have to start harvesting points if they are not to suffer the same fate.
Pentland lost out in what was their last realistic chance of survival when they succumbed 3-0 to Acks. Their town rivals, who had all three Murray brothers – Alan, Martin and Niall – on the park at the end, were also desperate for points.
After a nervy, goalless first half, Pentland looked to have drawn first blood when Wheeler MacIntyre homed in from the left and tried to slip the ball past Brian Mackay. But the keeper got the merest of touches to slow up the ball, allowing a defender to get back and make a goal-line clearance.
From the ensuing counter, Alan Murray got on the end of a sweeping move to put his side ahead. The experienced frontman added a second with an opportunist long-range effort before ex-Pentland player Keith Foubister headed in a third.
Thistle, meanwhile, went down tamely 4-0 in Castletown, all the goals coming in the first half.
The league leaders went ahead in 10 minutes from the penalty spot after Chris Sutherland had been floored when running in on an assist from Alan Farquhar. Sutherland converted and shortly afterwards delivered a corner from which Ewan Scott nodded in his first goal of the season.
Sutherland then got on the end of a defence-splitting pass from Gavin Henderson to run through and slot the ball past Graeme Williamson.
Five minutes before the interval, Sutherland completed his hat-trick after being set up by Graham MacDonald. That brings his league tally to 16, keeping him on course to end up as the division's top marksman.
Pentland United still have Castletown in their sights, though the latter know that eight points from their remaining five matches would make them uncatchable.
Grant Budge struck twice as United emerged 2-1 victors at Halkirk on Monday.
Lee Sutherland was denied when put clear by a great saving tackle from Lee Mackay, while Martin Bain shot just over from prime position. Ian Adamson went closest to scoring at the other end in a goalless first half.
Budge broke the deadlock shortly after the turnaround when he was left unmarked to run through and steer the ball past Stuart MacCulloch.
The visitors were awarded a penalty after 65 minutes when Graham Swanson was adjudged to have fouled Jocky Sutherland in the box. Up stepped Brian Gray whose fiery effort was beaten out by MacCulloch, who then recovered to keep out Sutherland's follow-up.
The home side came back strongly and, after a couple of half-chances, levelled through Johnnie Mackay.
MacCulloch featured with a string of fine saves, only to mar his display with a crucial error with less than five minutes left. He carelessly spilled a cross from Bain at the feet of Budge, who made no mistake.
Wick Rovers' purple patch continued on Monday when they came away with a 2-0 win at fog-bound John O'Groats.
Three weeks ago, Sanders Harper's men were joint second bottom and very much in the battle to avoid the drop. But their fears have been banished with a five-game run which has produced 13 points and 21 goals.
A goal in each half enabled Rovers to get the better of John O'Groats. The first came when John Harper's free kick was deflected past keeper Shaun Henderson by Stuart Sinclair (the younger).
After the break, Andrew Weir's perseverance paid off when he was put through on goal and he beat Henderson at the second attempt.
On Wednesday, Halkirk became the first side to register a league win over Swifts at the Dammies.
Halkirk scored against the run of play after 20 minutes with a close-range effort from Lee Elder. The second, five minutes from the break, was a quality strike from just inside the box by youngster Paul Mackay.
Mark Nichol had already gone close several times for Swifts before he struck the post in just about the last action of the half.
Swifts' frustrating night continued when Willie Steven looked certain to score only for MacCulloch to fling himself to keep out the veteran's rising volley.
Nigel MacKenzie got one back with just over 10 minutes left when he stole in at the far post to convert Graeme Reid's driven crossfield delivery.
Lee MacDougall had the last chance when he worked his way along the by-line before firing a shot just over.
Halkirk is the setting tomorrow for the Eain Mackintosh Cup final. The holders Pentland United will be itching to avenge two league reverses against title favourites Castletown.
Bob Wheatcroft is the man in the middle and he will again select the man of the match, who will receive the trophy in memory of his daughter Julie.
By Iain Grant
Published: 06 July, 2007
RELEGATION blues are fast enveloping Thurso Pentland, who look destined to make a quick return to the second division of the John O'Groat Journal County League.
Wick Thistle are also in the mire and will have to start harvesting points if they are not to suffer the same fate.
Pentland lost out in what was their last realistic chance of survival when they succumbed 3-0 to Acks. Their town rivals, who had all three Murray brothers – Alan, Martin and Niall – on the park at the end, were also desperate for points.
After a nervy, goalless first half, Pentland looked to have drawn first blood when Wheeler MacIntyre homed in from the left and tried to slip the ball past Brian Mackay. But the keeper got the merest of touches to slow up the ball, allowing a defender to get back and make a goal-line clearance.
From the ensuing counter, Alan Murray got on the end of a sweeping move to put his side ahead. The experienced frontman added a second with an opportunist long-range effort before ex-Pentland player Keith Foubister headed in a third.
Thistle, meanwhile, went down tamely 4-0 in Castletown, all the goals coming in the first half.
The league leaders went ahead in 10 minutes from the penalty spot after Chris Sutherland had been floored when running in on an assist from Alan Farquhar. Sutherland converted and shortly afterwards delivered a corner from which Ewan Scott nodded in his first goal of the season.
Sutherland then got on the end of a defence-splitting pass from Gavin Henderson to run through and slot the ball past Graeme Williamson.
Five minutes before the interval, Sutherland completed his hat-trick after being set up by Graham MacDonald. That brings his league tally to 16, keeping him on course to end up as the division's top marksman.
Pentland United still have Castletown in their sights, though the latter know that eight points from their remaining five matches would make them uncatchable.
Grant Budge struck twice as United emerged 2-1 victors at Halkirk on Monday.
Lee Sutherland was denied when put clear by a great saving tackle from Lee Mackay, while Martin Bain shot just over from prime position. Ian Adamson went closest to scoring at the other end in a goalless first half.
Budge broke the deadlock shortly after the turnaround when he was left unmarked to run through and steer the ball past Stuart MacCulloch.
The visitors were awarded a penalty after 65 minutes when Graham Swanson was adjudged to have fouled Jocky Sutherland in the box. Up stepped Brian Gray whose fiery effort was beaten out by MacCulloch, who then recovered to keep out Sutherland's follow-up.
The home side came back strongly and, after a couple of half-chances, levelled through Johnnie Mackay.
MacCulloch featured with a string of fine saves, only to mar his display with a crucial error with less than five minutes left. He carelessly spilled a cross from Bain at the feet of Budge, who made no mistake.
Wick Rovers' purple patch continued on Monday when they came away with a 2-0 win at fog-bound John O'Groats.
Three weeks ago, Sanders Harper's men were joint second bottom and very much in the battle to avoid the drop. But their fears have been banished with a five-game run which has produced 13 points and 21 goals.
A goal in each half enabled Rovers to get the better of John O'Groats. The first came when John Harper's free kick was deflected past keeper Shaun Henderson by Stuart Sinclair (the younger).
After the break, Andrew Weir's perseverance paid off when he was put through on goal and he beat Henderson at the second attempt.
On Wednesday, Halkirk became the first side to register a league win over Swifts at the Dammies.
Halkirk scored against the run of play after 20 minutes with a close-range effort from Lee Elder. The second, five minutes from the break, was a quality strike from just inside the box by youngster Paul Mackay.
Mark Nichol had already gone close several times for Swifts before he struck the post in just about the last action of the half.
Swifts' frustrating night continued when Willie Steven looked certain to score only for MacCulloch to fling himself to keep out the veteran's rising volley.
Nigel MacKenzie got one back with just over 10 minutes left when he stole in at the far post to convert Graeme Reid's driven crossfield delivery.
Lee MacDougall had the last chance when he worked his way along the by-line before firing a shot just over.
Halkirk is the setting tomorrow for the Eain Mackintosh Cup final. The holders Pentland United will be itching to avenge two league reverses against title favourites Castletown.
Bob Wheatcroft is the man in the middle and he will again select the man of the match, who will receive the trophy in memory of his daughter Julie.