Extra-time free kick sends John O’Groats through in Highland Amateur Cup
Experienced midfielder Grant Budge is hoping that home advantage can help John O’Groats produce more Highland Amateur Cup heroics when they take on former winners High Ormlie Hotspur in round one.
Saleem Bremner’s superb free kick sealed a 4-3 extra-time victory over Golspie Stafford in Saturday’s preliminary round tie in Sutherland. The other scorers for John O’Groats were Kian Mackay, Ross Harper and Jimmy Budge.
“We’re delighted with the result against a quality team,” Budge said. “We know it’s going to be tough against High Ormlie Hotspur in the next round but we’ll have our supporters behind us at Folke Park to give us that extra push.”
Hotspur, who won the competition in 2022, progressed with a 4-0 win against Castletown at Ormlie. Kuba Koziol struck twice, with the other goals coming from James Mackintosh and Ethan Kevill.
Staxigoe United edged out Keiss 4-3 in their preliminary tie at the Upper Bignold.
Staxigoe’s goals came from Dave Manson (penalty), Hasheem Bremner and Martin Banks with a double. On target for Keiss were Lewis Shepherd, Ryan Calder and Olly Manton.
Staxigoe’s next opponents will be Brora Wanderers.
Thurso Swifts suffered a 6-0 home defeat at the hands of Inver, from the North West Sutherland league.
Results – Highland Amateur Cup, north section, preliminary round (ties involving Caithness clubs): Golspie Stafford 3, John O’Groats 4 (after extra time); High Ormlie Hotspur 4, Castletown 0; Staxigoe United 4, Keiss 3; Thurso Swifts 0, Inver 6.
Highland Amateur Cup, north section, revised first-round draw (ties to be played on Saturday, May 10): Halkirk v Lochbroom; Helmsdale United v Wick Groats; Inver v Dornoch City; John O’Groats v High Ormlie Hotspur; Pentland United v Top Joe’s; Staxigoe United v Brora Wanderers; Thurso Acks v Lochinver; Watten v Thurso Pentland; Wick Thistle v Lybster (3pm).
Fixtures – Tuesday, April 22 – Division One: Castletown v Keiss; Lybster v High Ormlie Hotspur; Wick Groats v Staxigoe United (6.45pm). Division Two: Acks v Swifts (6.45pm).
Wednesday, April 23 – Division One: John O’Groats v Pentland United (6.45pm). Division Two: Top Joe’s v Watten; Wick Thistle v Halkirk (6.45pm).
Friday, April 25 – Division One: Staxigoe United v Lybster (6.45pm).