Post by Brian Mackay on Feb 1, 2007 10:04:53 GMT
Thurso Gers keep improving but Wick Celts still on top
Published: 31 January, 2007
THURSO Rangers continued their improved form in the second division of Caithness Amateur Sevens Football League by overcoming JGC 4-2 on a night of atrocious weather. Both sides turned in a good-quality performances despite the conditions.
The Gers opened the scoring when Steven Gray deftly created space with a back-heel pass to Ross Mackinnon, who made no mistake. JGC drew level courtesy of a ferocious drive from Chris Cowie but Adam Sutherland restored Rangers' lead after another neat set-up by Gray.
Sutherland was on hand to grab his second of the evening from close range, taking the score to 3-1 at half-time. Midway through the second period Ben Murray increased the Gers' lead before JGC's Ian Arrowsmith pulled one back late on.
Antarctic remain joint top of the division following their 5-0 victory over Sharks.
Dougie Gunn got the only goal of the first half, swerving the ball into the right-hand corner of the net from 15 yards. After the break Sharks created several chances to get back into the game, but Antarctic's defence remained resolute under pressure.
Graham Carle got the Penguins' second with a powerful shot and youngster Andrew Cumming added a quick double. Michael Gow rounded off the scoring in the last minute with a simple tap-in after good work by Colin Macleod.
Staxigoe showed plenty of determination in grinding out an impressive 5-3 victory over RG's. It was Staxigoe who opened the scoring when Dougie Mackay was caught in possession by Ryan Robertson, who duly placed the ball beyond the keeper. Mackay redeemed himself with a first-time pass that found Dean Salim, who blasted home the equaliser.
Robertson, who was having a particularly good game, got his second of the evening when he again dispossessed a defender and produced a clinical finish to give Staxigoe a 2-1 half-time lead.
After the break RG's keeper Roddy Gray did well to parry a fierce shot but young Grant MacNab was on hand to tap the ball into the net, then Salim netted a penalty after a handball offence by Ben Taylor.
Grant MacNab restored Staxigoe's two-goal advantage with a superb shot into the postage-stamp corner and he completed his hat-trick with an equally impressive strike to make it 5-2.
RG's pulled another goal back through Ricky Flowerday in the closing stages.
Wick Celtic's 8-0 win over Seaview keeps them joint top with Antarctic. This was a fine display by the Celts, with Lee Lyall and Barry Mackay both helping themselves to doubles, and they now seem to be getting themselves back into a rhythm after some lacklustre displays.
Junior Swifts and Naver fought out a 1-1 draw in the last game of the evening.
Naver went ahead in the first half when Keith Foubister's drive ricocheted off the unfortunate Gavin Cunningham as he attempted to block the shot. The equaliser came early in the second period when the impressive Kyle Innes slipped his marker and fired home a crisp shot.
Wick Celtic now have 34 points from 14 fixtures. They lead the division on goal difference from Antarctic, who have played one game more.
Staxigoe are in third place with 30 points from 13 games. In fourth position are RG's with 28 points from 15 fixtures to date.
Second division fixtures for matchday 20 – Thursday, February 1: Junior Swifts v Top Joe's (6.30); Sharks v RG's (6.30); JGC v Wick Celtic (7.30); Staxigoe United v Thurso Rangers (7.30); Seaview v Naver United (8.30). Free week – Antarctic Thistle.
Published: 31 January, 2007
THURSO Rangers continued their improved form in the second division of Caithness Amateur Sevens Football League by overcoming JGC 4-2 on a night of atrocious weather. Both sides turned in a good-quality performances despite the conditions.
The Gers opened the scoring when Steven Gray deftly created space with a back-heel pass to Ross Mackinnon, who made no mistake. JGC drew level courtesy of a ferocious drive from Chris Cowie but Adam Sutherland restored Rangers' lead after another neat set-up by Gray.
Sutherland was on hand to grab his second of the evening from close range, taking the score to 3-1 at half-time. Midway through the second period Ben Murray increased the Gers' lead before JGC's Ian Arrowsmith pulled one back late on.
Antarctic remain joint top of the division following their 5-0 victory over Sharks.
Dougie Gunn got the only goal of the first half, swerving the ball into the right-hand corner of the net from 15 yards. After the break Sharks created several chances to get back into the game, but Antarctic's defence remained resolute under pressure.
Graham Carle got the Penguins' second with a powerful shot and youngster Andrew Cumming added a quick double. Michael Gow rounded off the scoring in the last minute with a simple tap-in after good work by Colin Macleod.
Staxigoe showed plenty of determination in grinding out an impressive 5-3 victory over RG's. It was Staxigoe who opened the scoring when Dougie Mackay was caught in possession by Ryan Robertson, who duly placed the ball beyond the keeper. Mackay redeemed himself with a first-time pass that found Dean Salim, who blasted home the equaliser.
Robertson, who was having a particularly good game, got his second of the evening when he again dispossessed a defender and produced a clinical finish to give Staxigoe a 2-1 half-time lead.
After the break RG's keeper Roddy Gray did well to parry a fierce shot but young Grant MacNab was on hand to tap the ball into the net, then Salim netted a penalty after a handball offence by Ben Taylor.
Grant MacNab restored Staxigoe's two-goal advantage with a superb shot into the postage-stamp corner and he completed his hat-trick with an equally impressive strike to make it 5-2.
RG's pulled another goal back through Ricky Flowerday in the closing stages.
Wick Celtic's 8-0 win over Seaview keeps them joint top with Antarctic. This was a fine display by the Celts, with Lee Lyall and Barry Mackay both helping themselves to doubles, and they now seem to be getting themselves back into a rhythm after some lacklustre displays.
Junior Swifts and Naver fought out a 1-1 draw in the last game of the evening.
Naver went ahead in the first half when Keith Foubister's drive ricocheted off the unfortunate Gavin Cunningham as he attempted to block the shot. The equaliser came early in the second period when the impressive Kyle Innes slipped his marker and fired home a crisp shot.
Wick Celtic now have 34 points from 14 fixtures. They lead the division on goal difference from Antarctic, who have played one game more.
Staxigoe are in third place with 30 points from 13 games. In fourth position are RG's with 28 points from 15 fixtures to date.
Second division fixtures for matchday 20 – Thursday, February 1: Junior Swifts v Top Joe's (6.30); Sharks v RG's (6.30); JGC v Wick Celtic (7.30); Staxigoe United v Thurso Rangers (7.30); Seaview v Naver United (8.30). Free week – Antarctic Thistle.