Bignold showdown will decide top-flight title
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THE county division-one championship will be decided by the outcome of tonight’s clash between Wick Groats and Pentland United.
United’s 4-0 win over Acks last Thursday set up the final night showdown in Bignold Park. A point will be enough for Groats to retain the title but only a victory will do for the Dunnet outfit.
The two rivals will meet again in Thurso on Saturday in the final of the David Allan Shield.
United continued their impressive late-season form with a 4-0 success versus relegation-threatened Acks last Thursday.
A Lewis Harrold double helped them shake off an unconvincing first half at the Dammies to win with something to spare.
An own goal set United on their way before Harrold struck after James Murray and Mark Nichol did the spadework.
Jamie Mackenzie then headed in Gary MacLeod’s corner before Harrold claimed his second with a low shot from the edge of the box.
United retained a blank sheet after keeper Michael Gray kept out a thunderbolt from Jack Halliday late on.
As well as the destination of the title, tonight’s last series of fixtures will determine whether Swifts or Acks are relegated and which of the current bottom four fills the demotion
As second-division runners-up, Thurso Pentland will play the team which finishes second bottom.
Keiss were meantime the final team to qualify for the semi-finals of the second-division Steven Cup after a 3-1 win over Francis Street Club.
Their opponents last night were Top Joe’s for whom Steven Lowe hit a hat-trick as they made it made it third time lucky in Wick versus Rovers.
Adam Sutherland and Mark Hutcheon also found the net in their 5-3 win.
Rovers, who trailed throughout, scored through Gary Davidson, Lee Lyall and Liam Sutherland.
Last night’s other semi saw Thurso Pentland play Wick Thistle.
Fixtures – tonight (7pm): Castletown v Swifts; Halkirk v Staxigoe United; John O’Groats v Acks; Wick Groats v Pentland United.
