United keep up the pace at top of Highland League under-18 table
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The race for the Highland League under-18 north title continued on Sunday as Alness United secured a narrow win over rivals Wick Academy at Dalmore Park.
Striker Arran Thain opened the scoring for the home side after 51 minutes with a right footed shot across goal into the far corner.
The black and whites extended their lead just over twenty minutes later with a half volley from Louie Wardrop.
Further chances for the home side were denied by some excellent goalkeeping from Leo Shearer in the Academy goal.
Academy did manage to pull a goal back through Matthew Aitkenhead, but with just ten minutes remaining the time ran out on the Scorries as the visitors took all three points.
The win puts the Easter Ross side 11 points clear of their nearest rivals Wick, and 12 ahead of Rothes. Inverness Athletic, who have played five games less than United, sit on 24 points – and likely remain United's strongest challengers for the remaining games ahead.
At Grant Park in Tain, St Duthus were beaten by Forres Mechanics by 3 goals to 1.
The visiting side took the lead after half an hour with a goal Logan De Oliveira, but a well taken header from Alex Mackenzie brought Saints back into the game six minutes later.
Joel Macwatt then restored the Can Cans' advantage four minutes before the interval with a 25 yard lob.
Despite chances for the Tain side to restore parity, the next goal came for Mechanics substitute Jack Millar who slotted under debutant St Duthus keeper Owen Galbraith to make it 3–1.
In the only other game of the day, Lossiemouth held on to a slender 1–0 lead in stormy conditions to beat Rothes.
