Football

Promotion is the goal for Thurso Acks this season – and the early signs are promising, after two wins and back-to-back clean sheets.

Brora Rangers benefactor Ben Mackay believes it will be “massive for football in the north” if the Cattachs succeed in stepping up to the SPFL.

Saleem Bremner’s superb free kick sealed a 4-3 extra-time victory for John O’Groats in Saturday’s preliminary round tie away to Golspie Stafford.

Pentland United had to rely on a last-gasp goal by Michael “Joe” Steven to take all three points in their opening fixture of the 2025 CAFA season.

Cameron Mackenzie praised his Lybster players for the character they showed in coming from behind to beat newly promoted Keiss 4-2 at Bayview Park.

The senior boys’ select have been crowned winners of a national cup, despite the final not being played.

Last season was ultimately a disappointing one for Wick Groats, but they got their 2025 campaign off to the ideal start with a 6-0 win at Folke Park.

The North of Scotland can add some silverware to their cabinet, but not in the manner that anyone would have wanted.

Caithness Ladies racked up double figures in their opening SWF Highlands and Islands League Cup tie against Nairn St Ninian in Castletown.

Three players from runners-up Halkirk United have been named in the North Caledonian League’s team of the season for 2024/25.

Wick manager Gary Manson made it clear that “you never stop planning” as he confirmed that preparations are well in hand for the 2025/26 campaign.

Wick Academy U18s were hailed as an “exceptional group” after securing the SHFL Under 18 North title. They now face a play-off with the East winners.

Keiss will be adopting the “one game at a time” approach as they adjust to life in the top flight of Caithness amateur football this summer.

Performances and results over the past two or three months demonstrate that progress has been made by Wick Academy this season, Gary Manson has said.

Caithness Ladies play their opening cup match at home to Nairn St Ninian on Sunday, a fortnight after starting their league campaign with a win.

Assistant manager Liam Anderson praised the Halkirk United players for their commitment after they ended their league campaign by beating Orkney.

Efforts by a local cancer support charity to expand its work across the far north have been helped by a £500 donation from Halkirk United.

Wick Academy extended their unbeaten run to seven games with a 3-2 victory over Strathspey Thistle, equalling last season’s overall points tally.

Amateur football teams in Caithness will have to get used to the “captain only” policy that has been adopted at other levels of the game.

Melvich amateur football club are one of just two north-west teams still active in the summer.