St Duthus expect tough test against Orkney in cup final preview
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ST DUTHUS manager Stuart Ross expects one of his side’s toughest tests of the season so far when his side face North Caledonian League rivals Orkney in a dress rehearsal of the Jock MacKay Cup final.
On-fire Saints, who made it seven straight wins with a 5-0 victory against Bunillidh Thistle last Saturday, can expect to be pushed all the way by an Orkney side unbeaten in its six starts.
“We are looking forward to the game,” said Ross.
“The matches between the sides are always competitive, and there is an extra bit of interest in the game as the teams meet in the cup final the week after.”
Reflecting on his side’s latest victory against Bonar, he added: “We were happy with the three points. It was another good performance from the team.”
Ross Tokely gave Saints a dream start with an opener after just two minutes.
Liam Rostock made it 2-0 in the 16th minute when he broke clear of the defence to net, and Mikey Rae added a third before the half-hour mark with a left-foot shot into the roof of the net.
There was no way back for Bunillidh when Charlie MacDonald scored from close range late in the half.
Rostock scored the only goal of the second half to wrap up another convincing victory.
Jonny Allan, Ben Bruce, Reece Patterson, Jude Fraser, Adam Allan and Paul Beaton are all available again for Saints after missing last week’s win against Bunillidh Thistle.
Invergordon won with something to spare in an 8-0 romp against Halkirk United at the Recreation Grounds.
Kyle MacLean gave Invergordon the lead early before goals and Darran Goller added a second just before the break.
Halkirk goalkeeper Sean Milligan was unable to continue after the break as Invergoron rattled in another six goals without reply.
Goller scored again, Scott Houston bagged a hat-trick and Ken Morrison and Ian Penwright as the home side ran riot.
In the other matches, Inverness Athletic defeated Bonar Bridge 5-0 at Bught Park, while Orkney and Golspie Sutherland drew 4-4 at Dounby.
