Thurso Swifts, Wick Groats and Castletown victorious in first round of Stannergill Cup
First round matches in the Stannergill Cup were played last night, with Castletown, Thurso Swifts and Wick Groats booking their place in the next round.
The cup – named after a new whisky offering from Dunnet Bay Distillers’ Castletown Mill – has been introduced as a replacement for the retired Colin Macleod Memorial Cup as the first knockout competition of the Caithness county league season.
Last night heralded a first win of the season for Swifts, who scored a 2–0 victory against first division opponents Lybster.
Goals from Bruin Gunn and Andrew Bremner proved the difference between the sides, leaving manager Asa Sinclair delighted with his side’s display.
"I was delighted with everyone's work rate and effort; it would be hard to single anyone out as they all played fantastic," Sinclair said.
"We defended strongly and were dangerous in attack while controlling some of the game in midfield. Bruin Gunn has been a great addition to our squad this year, and Andrew took his chance well too.
“Kyle Bain, our goalkeeper, also showed great handling and made a couple of vital stops — another great addition to the squad.
"The boys dug in well to see out the game against a very good first division side with plenty of quality and experience.
“Personally, I don't think the previous results reflected how we had been playing and the effort we had been putting in as a team.”
Meanwhile, Castletown edged past Keiss in a close fought game that went all the way to extra time.
Manager Tom McKenna admitted it was not a classic but was pleased to see his side come through.
"As a spectacle it was a dour affair, not much quality whatsoever," McKenna said. "To be honest the result could have gone either way, but fortunately for us, we were able to overcome a resilient Keiss team to go into the next round."
The first half ended goalless before Jack McKechnie put Castletown ahead from a free kick early in the second half.
Keiss equalised from the penalty spot, Tony Miller scoring with the last kick of normal time.
In extra time, Miller struck again from the spot to give the home side the lead.
Michael Smith then brought Castletown level with a strike inside the box before Gary Macleod netted the winner late on, finishing off a fine cross from Owen Bain.
In the other game of the evening at Upper Bignold, Watten, who travelled with a squad of just 11, were beaten 4-0 by Wick Groats.
Groats held a 1-0 lead for 70 minutes of the game after going ahead through Korbyn Cameron.
But a late brace from Michael Steven and a goal from Alan Mathieson eventually broke the resilience of the visitors.
The next tranche of Stannergill Cup first round matches are due to take place this evening.
Top Joes v High Ormlie Hotspur
Thurso Pentland v Halkirk
Wick Thistle v John O'Groats
All kick offs are 6.30pm.