Stage set for top of the table derby between Tain and Inver
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The stage is set for a top of the table showdown between Easter Ross rivals Tain Thistle and Inver this Saturday.
The sides meet for the second time this season, having shared the points in a 1–1 draw at Inver in May.
Inver manager Paul Connolly believes his side will need to show up and be counted if they are to retain top spot in the division.
He said: "We are looking forward to Saturdays game. We’re on a great run at the moment and hopefully we can keep it going. We know we’ll need to be at our best to take anything from the game. We set a target at the start of the season of ten points so anything else we get is a bonus."
Tain boss John Maclellan said: "It’s the biggest game we’ve had at the links in a very long time, and the boys have worked very hard to get us to this position.
"It's a local derby with the two teams top of the league, the sun will be shining – we couldn’t really ask for much more. It would be great to see as many people at the game as possible to cheer us on, and we are looking forward to hosting a noisy Inver support."
The game is set to be played on the Links in Tain – the first game to take place on the playing field in over five years.
Both Tain Thistle and Inver recorded wins last weekend as they moved to the top of North West Sutherland League 2.
At the Recreation Grounds, Invergordon Social Club released their grip on top spot after suffering a 2–1 defeat to the Tain Jags.
Drew Sutherland had given the Invergordon side the lead after just four minutes, but Thistle player-manager John Maclellan drew his side level midway through the second half when he netted from the penalty spot after Aaron Skinner had been fouled inside the box.
A grandstand finish saw Maclellan take the plaudits with a winner two minutes into injury time, slotting home with a first time shot on the end of a cross from Sean Scott.
Further up the A9, Inver were unrelenting in an eleven-goal dismantling of Melvich at Osprey Park.
A hat-trick for young striker Johnie Beattie was the highlight, with midfield man Alex Mackenzie and Jack Corbett each netting a brace as they punished their north Sutherland visitors.
Goals for Aiden Stainke, Jack Traynor, Paul Laughlin and Michael Newlands rounded off a ruthless performance from the village side.
In League 2, Lochinver beat Lairg Rovers 4–1, while Golspie Stafford extended their lead at the top of the table with a 3–1 win over Helmsdale United.
North West Sutherland League fixtures for Saturday, June 17:
League 1
Lairg Rovers v Lochbroom
Helmsdale United v Lochinver
League 2
Tain Thistle v Inver
Melvich v Brora Wanderers
