Post by Brian Mackay on Jun 8, 2007 17:09:44 GMT
Sutherland scoring spree as Castletown go top
By Iain Grant - iain-grant@ukf.net
Published: 08 June, 2007
BACK-to-back wins this week enabled Castletown to take over at the top of the County League first division.
Chris Sutherland was their key man, banging in six goals in the home victories over Thurso pair Acks and Pentland. That takes his haul to 11, making him the league's top marksman.
On Wednesday, Sutherland's foursome helped his side to a 5-2 victory over Acks. His first came after three minutes when he surged through and clipped the ball wide of keeper Brian Mackay.
Castletown had several chances to increase the margin before the Thurso men struck back. Graham MacDonald handled in the box and Murray Coghill buried the spot-kick.
Within 10 minutes, Sutherland had completed his hat-trick. He finished off a solo effort before meeting Ewan Scott's cross with a crisp, back-post volley.
After the break, Sutherland made it 4-1 with his simplest of the evening – a tap-in after Alan Farquhar had done all the lead-up.
Acks battled away and reduced the leeway through Gary MacLeod, who netted with an inch-perfect chip.
Mackay made several good stops before Castletown substitute Steven MacDonald cashed in on a defensive error to score with five minutes remaining.
Castletown had earlier made hard work of overcoming Thurso Pentland on the village pitch. They created plenty of chances in the first half, with Chris Sutherland converting two to put them in the driving seat.
But Pentland, who were hammered 8-0 by their opponents the previous week, staged a gritty comeback. Michael Foubister gave them hope when his quickly-taken free kick reduced the deficit with 15 minutes left and Castletown were relieved to collect all three points.
Pentland United bolstered their title defence at Ham Park with a 2-0 victory over Wick Thistle. Martin Bain and an own goal put the champions in command before controversy flared when United were awarded a penalty.
Before it was taken, referee John Arrowsmith had to call a time-out to deal with Colin Cormack, the Thistle boss. Cormack was so incensed by the decision that his volley of abuse left the official no option but to order him from the field.
The stormy episode ended with Willie Inrig's spot-kick being kept out by keeper Graeme Williamson.
The visitors competed well after the interval without threatening to force their way back into the contest.
Halkirk cemented their position in the top half of the table when they completed a 7-1 rout of Thurso Pentland.
Lee Elder grabbed the opener after good work by Paul Mackay. Ian Adamson doubled the advantage and Stevie Campbell and Graham Swanson added further goals before the break.
Scott Davidson replied for Pentland but a second from Campbell put Halkirk on easy street. Michael Bremner set up substitute Russell Bain for number six, and Mackay celebrated his 17th birthday with a close-range effort to complete the scoring.
Wick Groats look to be justifying their tag as favourites to land the second division title. They came from behind on Wednesday to demolish their nearest rivals Keiss 6-1 on the village park.
Chris Sutherland's recent scoring exploits for Castletown have made him the County League's top marksman. John Baikie 07789 557586
The home side got an early boost when Peter Niwa did the spadework for Graham MacNab to net with a well-controlled volley. Keiss failed to capitalise and were guilty of giving up possession too cheaply.
Groats levelled and went ahead through Stewart Ross and the player/manager scored a killer third just before half-time from the penalty spot.
Kevin Miller made it 4-1 with a low, raking shot before Ross grabbed his fourth. The last – the goal of the game – saw Greg Shearer's assist producing a glorious side-foot volley from Andrew Cumming.
Ashes came from behind to complete a league double over Top Joe's.
Craig Hollywood fired TJ's in front after 15 minutes with an angled drive. An own goal got Ashes level before the interval and they forged in front with a solo effort from Dougie Mackay.
George MacKenzie's men wrapped up the points with a late effort by Graham Taylor.
Fixtures: Tonight (7.30) – County League, Division Two: FSC v Lybster.
Tomorrow – MacLeod IFA Highland Amateur Cup, second round replay (3.00): Contin v Wick Groats.
Monday (7.30) – County League, Division One: Acks v Halkirk; John O'Groats v Castletown. Eain Mackintosh Cup, second round: Pentland United v Top Joe's.
Tuesday (7.30) – Division Two: Ashes v FSC; Wick Groats v Lybster.
Wednesday (7.15) – Eain Mackintosh Cup semi-final – Halkirk v Pentland United or Top Joe's; Swifts v Castletown.
Results – MacLeod IFA Highland Amateur Cup, second round: Gairloch Aultbea United 9, Ashes 2; Golspie Stafford 1, Thurso Swifts 3; John O'Groats 4, Kirkwall Rovers 0; Mid Lairgs United 1, Pentland United 0; Wick Groats 1, Contin 1; Wick Rovers 6, St Andrews 1; Wick Thistle 2, Castletown 1.
County League, Division One: Castletown 5, Acks 2; Castletown 2, Thurso Pentland 1; Pentland United 2, Wick Thistle 0; Thurso Pentland 1, Halkirk 7. Division Two: Keiss 1, Wick Groats 6; Ashes 3, Top Joe's 1.
By Iain Grant - iain-grant@ukf.net
Published: 08 June, 2007
BACK-to-back wins this week enabled Castletown to take over at the top of the County League first division.
Chris Sutherland was their key man, banging in six goals in the home victories over Thurso pair Acks and Pentland. That takes his haul to 11, making him the league's top marksman.
On Wednesday, Sutherland's foursome helped his side to a 5-2 victory over Acks. His first came after three minutes when he surged through and clipped the ball wide of keeper Brian Mackay.
Castletown had several chances to increase the margin before the Thurso men struck back. Graham MacDonald handled in the box and Murray Coghill buried the spot-kick.
Within 10 minutes, Sutherland had completed his hat-trick. He finished off a solo effort before meeting Ewan Scott's cross with a crisp, back-post volley.
After the break, Sutherland made it 4-1 with his simplest of the evening – a tap-in after Alan Farquhar had done all the lead-up.
Acks battled away and reduced the leeway through Gary MacLeod, who netted with an inch-perfect chip.
Mackay made several good stops before Castletown substitute Steven MacDonald cashed in on a defensive error to score with five minutes remaining.
Castletown had earlier made hard work of overcoming Thurso Pentland on the village pitch. They created plenty of chances in the first half, with Chris Sutherland converting two to put them in the driving seat.
But Pentland, who were hammered 8-0 by their opponents the previous week, staged a gritty comeback. Michael Foubister gave them hope when his quickly-taken free kick reduced the deficit with 15 minutes left and Castletown were relieved to collect all three points.
Pentland United bolstered their title defence at Ham Park with a 2-0 victory over Wick Thistle. Martin Bain and an own goal put the champions in command before controversy flared when United were awarded a penalty.
Before it was taken, referee John Arrowsmith had to call a time-out to deal with Colin Cormack, the Thistle boss. Cormack was so incensed by the decision that his volley of abuse left the official no option but to order him from the field.
The stormy episode ended with Willie Inrig's spot-kick being kept out by keeper Graeme Williamson.
The visitors competed well after the interval without threatening to force their way back into the contest.
Halkirk cemented their position in the top half of the table when they completed a 7-1 rout of Thurso Pentland.
Lee Elder grabbed the opener after good work by Paul Mackay. Ian Adamson doubled the advantage and Stevie Campbell and Graham Swanson added further goals before the break.
Scott Davidson replied for Pentland but a second from Campbell put Halkirk on easy street. Michael Bremner set up substitute Russell Bain for number six, and Mackay celebrated his 17th birthday with a close-range effort to complete the scoring.
Wick Groats look to be justifying their tag as favourites to land the second division title. They came from behind on Wednesday to demolish their nearest rivals Keiss 6-1 on the village park.
Chris Sutherland's recent scoring exploits for Castletown have made him the County League's top marksman. John Baikie 07789 557586
The home side got an early boost when Peter Niwa did the spadework for Graham MacNab to net with a well-controlled volley. Keiss failed to capitalise and were guilty of giving up possession too cheaply.
Groats levelled and went ahead through Stewart Ross and the player/manager scored a killer third just before half-time from the penalty spot.
Kevin Miller made it 4-1 with a low, raking shot before Ross grabbed his fourth. The last – the goal of the game – saw Greg Shearer's assist producing a glorious side-foot volley from Andrew Cumming.
Ashes came from behind to complete a league double over Top Joe's.
Craig Hollywood fired TJ's in front after 15 minutes with an angled drive. An own goal got Ashes level before the interval and they forged in front with a solo effort from Dougie Mackay.
George MacKenzie's men wrapped up the points with a late effort by Graham Taylor.
Fixtures: Tonight (7.30) – County League, Division Two: FSC v Lybster.
Tomorrow – MacLeod IFA Highland Amateur Cup, second round replay (3.00): Contin v Wick Groats.
Monday (7.30) – County League, Division One: Acks v Halkirk; John O'Groats v Castletown. Eain Mackintosh Cup, second round: Pentland United v Top Joe's.
Tuesday (7.30) – Division Two: Ashes v FSC; Wick Groats v Lybster.
Wednesday (7.15) – Eain Mackintosh Cup semi-final – Halkirk v Pentland United or Top Joe's; Swifts v Castletown.
Results – MacLeod IFA Highland Amateur Cup, second round: Gairloch Aultbea United 9, Ashes 2; Golspie Stafford 1, Thurso Swifts 3; John O'Groats 4, Kirkwall Rovers 0; Mid Lairgs United 1, Pentland United 0; Wick Groats 1, Contin 1; Wick Rovers 6, St Andrews 1; Wick Thistle 2, Castletown 1.
County League, Division One: Castletown 5, Acks 2; Castletown 2, Thurso Pentland 1; Pentland United 2, Wick Thistle 0; Thurso Pentland 1, Halkirk 7. Division Two: Keiss 1, Wick Groats 6; Ashes 3, Top Joe's 1.