Castletown boss Tom McKenna welcomes prospect of home final after Stannergill Cup semi-final win
Castletown will contest the first final of the Stannergill Cup after coming through a hard-fought semi-final against Thurso Swifts – securing a shot at silverware on their own patch next month.
The new competition, backed by Dunnet Bay Distillers, takes pride of place as the first knockout trophy of the summer – and continues the strong Castletown links its predecessor, the Colin Macleod Cup, had until it was retired at the end of last season.
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Manager Tom McKenna welcomed the result as a significant step for the team and everyone involved behind the scenes.
“I believe it's our first final in Castletown for a few years so it's great for the club,” he said.
“It’s also great for the players, the committee, and the community to have a home cup final to look forward to.
“I must compliment Thurso Swifts on their performance and how difficult they made it for us to achieve the result we did.
“We had to dig deep and show great character to overcome them.”
Castletown took an early lead on Thursday night when James Harris capitalised on a spell of early pressure.
But after going ahead, they lost their rhythm and allowed Swifts back into the game.
Despite dominating possession for long spells, Castletown found it difficult to break down a well-drilled Swifts defence.
The visitors grew in confidence and eventually levelled late in the second half, scoring from a corner to take the tie into extra time.
The decisive moment came with three minutes and penalties looming when Jack McKechnie was fouled inside the area.
After some delay, the same player stepped up to convert from the spot to seal Castletown’s place in the final.
On Friday night, Staxigoe United overcame Pentland United in the other semi to book their spot in the final.
A cagey first half produced few clear chances, but Staxigoe emerged the sharper side after the restart.
The opener came from a corner, with Chrissy Green heading home after good delivery from Martin Banks.
That was quickly followed by a second when Sam Mackay drove a chance low past the keeper.
Pentland pulled one back through Andrew Mackay with 15 minutes to go, but despite a late push they couldn’t find a way through again, and Staxigoe held firm to progress.
Castletown and Staxigoe United will contest the Stannergill Cup Final on June 7 at Back Park.