Invergordon beat Orkney to be crowned North Caledonian League champions for first time in five years
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INVERGORDON were crowned North Caledonian League champions in their final game of the season as they defeated Orkney 1–0 at Recreation Park.
Jordan Laidlaw scored a penalty in the 44th minute which proved to be the difference.
The Ross-shire outfit had to hang on for their victory, with Orkney hitting the crossbar in the closing stages.
But Invergordon lifted the league title for the first time since 2017.
Manager Gary Campbell praised the character of his squad throughout the season saying they were deserved champions.
"It has been a long hard season and we have finished at the top of the pile," said Campbell.
"That was the aim at the start of the season and we are delighted to finally get across the line and win it.
"I pay credit to the boys who have battled hard all season and got their just rewards in the end."
If Invergordon had lost today, Loch Ness and Halkirk United could have won the league if they had won their remaining matches.
Campbell was pleased they managed to care of matters themselves.
"We were disappointed we didn't win the title last week when we lost to Halkirk United," admitted Campbell.
"But we managed to get over the line today which was the main thing.
"The boys have been brilliant all season and full credit to them.
"We are a small club and have a small committee, but everyone works hard here.
"It has been five years since we last won it, so it is good to get it done.
"We have been second in the last few years, so it makes today sweeter and a great reward for the boys who have been loyal to us for years."
Loch Ness were the frontrunners for the majority of the season, but Campbell never doubted Invergordon could catch them to win the championship.
"We know ourselves that we have been ahead in previous league campaigns but never won it.
"The league campaign is a long way to go and thankfully it was our turn to win it.
"But credit to all the teams in the league as this season has been very competitive with no easy matches."
