Under-18 north league triumph is the 'pinnacle', says Alness United chairman
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Alness United secured this year's Highland Football League under-18 north championship without kicking a ball last weekend.
A 4–6 defeat for nearest rivals Inverness Athletic at home to Clachnacuddin confirmed that this season's title would be awarded to the Easter Ross youngsters, who sit at the top of the league table with nine points to spare.
Led by coaches Liam Mackenzie and Sean Kelman, it is the first time the Alness club have secured the top youth honour under the Highland League north banner, having first competed in 2001.
Chairman Tommy Regan, who has overseen the club's rise over the years, said: "We have made ourselves a team who are capable of winning this league in recent years, and have fallen short.
"This season we have managed to win it and to me, a little surprisingly. I thought we would be up there competing, but never expected to win it – so that is a nice surprise, and I am absolutely delighted.
"I am delighted especially for our under-18 coaches, Liam and Sean, and all of our coaches who have worked hard throughout the year at all of our age levels. This is the pinnacle for us as a club.
"Winning the league, as I say to our kids, is the ultimate achievement, but sometimes just participating in these leagues is a reward. For us to have been competing for over 20 years at these age levels is great achievement."
It was a slow start to the campaign for United, who stuttered to begin with, drawing with Rothes and losing 3–0 to new boys Inverness Athletic.
But an up-turn in form throughout September and October saw them race back into contention with big wins over St Duthus, Buckie and Clachnacuddin.
They stumbled against Nairn County and Rothes in November, but they would go on to win their next eight games to secure the title in style – with some big victories against Wick Academy and Keith.
The hit their biggest win of the season at the end of March, beating bottom-placed Buckie Thistle by 9 goals to nil.
The goalscoring feats of Arran Thain and Cameron Grant, have been a particular highlight, netting 16 and 12 goals, respectively. Grant, in particular, grabbed the spotlight after he hit the net four times against defending champions Clachnacuddin in February.
Aaron Skinner, too, hit a rich vein of scoring form in the second half of the season, netting an impressive hat-trick against closest rivals Inverness.
The club now await the presentation of the league trophy, and will take part in an end of season north v east playoff to decide the winners of the overall Highland League under-18 championship.
United still have one game to play to complete their league fixtures, with the prospect of an away trip to Wick in midweek to look forward to as their season finale.
