Jags make it a Dingwall double
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DINGWALL Thistle lifted their first trophy of the season in the North Caledonian League after a dramatic penalty shoot-out with Jock MacKay Memorial Cup final opponents Clachnacuddin at the Recreation Grounds last Saturday.
Clach got off to a flyer when Scott Davidson found the back of the net with a stunning 25-yard drive which took a slight deflection on its way into the net.
But Thistle hit back ten minutes later when Paul Gair levelled with a screamer of a shot from around the same distance which flew past Clach goalkeeper Robert Rose.
The Jags had a chance to snatch the lead just before the break when Martin MacLean got on the end of a deep cross from Craig Stuart but his effort floated past the far post.
Thistle were twice denied by the woodwork in the second half with Steve Pirie firing a shot off the base of the post on the hour mark and Martin MacLean also being denied.
Stuart also had a shot cleared off the goal-line by Paul Spence in the 89th minute and MacLean forced a fine save from man-of-the match Rose in injury time.
Chances were few and far between in extra time and it was down to penalties.
Gair, MacLean and Andrew Miller all netted for Thistle as the Dingwall side won the spot kick decider 3-2.
MUIR of Ord Rovers have a chance to finish the season on a high with a victory over Halkirk United in the Football Times Cup final at Seaboard Park, Balintore tomorrow.
Rovers co-manager Alan Hercher told the Ross-shire Journal: "We would love to finish the season on a high. But it will be extremely difficult against Halkirk, who are a very good side. It’s our last chance to win a trophy so hopefully we can do well."
However, Rovers will be without Callum Lamont and Daryl Henderson who are both injured, while Davie Ross is unavailable. Gary Calvert and Jason Calvert are both struggling to be fit in time for the big match.
Tonight (Friday), Dingwall Thistle travel north to play Golspie Sutherland at King George V Park.
Martyn MacAllister is unavailable for Thistle but Gary Urquhart is ready to return. Golspie are expected to be at full strength.
Fixtures, Friday, April 13 – 6.45pm – Golspie Sutherland v Dingwall Thistle. Saturday, April 14 – Football Times Cup Final – 2pm – Halkirk United v Muir of Ord Rovers (at Seaboard Park, Brora).
