Tain sub Billy knocks stuffing out of Lochinver with late wondergoal
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A goal to remember for young substitute Billy Knox capped off a win for Tain Thistle on Saturday, as they secured their place in this year’s Stafford Cup Final.
The Jags fought back from a one-goal deficit early in the match to ultimately take command and run out 5-3 winners against Lochinver at Culag Park.
Jake Lockett broke the deadlock for the home side before a penalty conversion from Finn As-Chainey and a strike from Adrian Voigt swung the game in Tain’s favour just before the interval.
Lochinver levelled the scores early in the second half through Lockett, but Thistle turned things up a gear shortly after, with debutant Thomas Lewis netting to make it 3-2.
As-Chainey then grabbed his second to extend the advantage.
It looked as if the west coast men might find a way back into the game when Reece Rooney found the net.
But Thistle put the game beyond doubt with five minutes remaining, substitute Billy Knox hitting a spectacular shot to beat the goalkeeper from 40 yards with his first touch of the ball.
Tain Thistle reach a cup final for the first time under manager John Maclellan, who took the reigns back in April 2023.
Maclellan said: “I’m absolutely delighted for the boys, especially the young fellas. I’m really happy with how we are shaping up this season.
“We deserved our win today and got there through quality and hard work. All the best to Lochinver going forward, tough, tough opponents and we look forward to going head to head with them again.”
The Easter Ross side await the outcome of the other semi-final between Golspie Stafford and Helmsdale United, due to be played this Saturday, April 27. A date for the cup final has yet to be confirmed.
There were no other matches played in the North West Sutherland league this past Saturday due to teams’ involvement in the Highland Amateur Cup.
The North West Sutherland league campaign is due to begin on Saturday, May 4, with a full card of fixtures scheduled as below:
Brora Wanderers v Tain Thistle
Embo v Melvich
Golspie Stafford v Lochinver
Helmsdale United v Lochbroom
Inver v Lairg Rovers
