Caithness U16s 'can feel proud of their efforts' after securing second place
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Caithness United under-16s have been told they can feel proud of their efforts after securing second spot in HFL Under-16 Highland with a 6-1 victory over Fort William.
All the goals came in the second half at Lochaber High School, under the gaze of Ben Nevis.
Although Caithness were never under any danger during the first 45 minutes, they were restricted to half-chances and shots from outside the box.
The second half was a different story.
Caithness scored two goals in quick succession, the first coming from the industrious John Hooker and the second by lively half-time substitute Jay Foubister.
The resilient United defence dealt well with the majority of balls being fired high at them from afar.
A penalty from Murray Mackay after Tyler Gordon had been fouled saw them increase their lead before Connor Davidson fired home a precise free kick for the fourth.
Fort did pull one back but United continued to cause their counterparts plenty of problems, particularly through the pressing of Hooker and the pace of Gordon. On one such occasion Gordon was upended just outside the box and Gordon himself scored from the resultant free kick.
Gordon’s pace was again evident when he slipped through on goal and rounded the keeper to complete the scoring.
Caithness coach Alan Kennedy said: “That second-half performance was more like the level we are looking for from our squad.
"I thought our midfielders ran the show and were magnificent for the most part of the game. In fact every one of our players made a positive contribution.
"The squad now need to kick on though and produce that level of performance more consistently and throughout an entire 90 minutes. That's their next challenge.”
Kennedy added: “It’s very pleasing to see the players develop and improve throughout the season, and that win now means we have guaranteed second spot in the league behind an excellent Balloan squad.
"That’s no mean feat considering the competition, so the lads can be proud of that deserved achievement. We actually play Balloan next weekend, so that will be another massive test for the boys and one we are all relishing.”
Caithness United under-14s were 6-0 winners against Muir of Ord at Bught Park in Inverness.
Kody Munro scored twice in the first period but Caithness hadn't found their normal passing groove and were being drawn into a dogfight in the middle of a bumpy pitch.
The middle third saw much more composed play and patience in possession. Some great passing moves resulted in well-deserved goals.
Max Ross continued his hot streak of two goals in each of his last three games and seven in his last four.
The other goals were expertly finished strikes from Logan Macadie and Rory Anderson.
Coach Stewart Ross said: "After making a few changes to the team it wasn't surprising to see us take some time to find our normal rhythm.
"It was pleasing to see us change our pattern of play and find what was more like our normal form. The trick is getting the boys themselves to notice this on the pitch and have the ability to make the correct decisions that will allow us to make positive changes within the match."
Caithness United under-12s took part in a series of challenge matches in Tain against a strong Lewis and Harris squad.
The clubs formed two nine-a-side teams, playing three 30-minute games.
There wasn’t much between the sides, but the Western Isles outfit edged it on the scoreboard.
Caithness coach Shaun Forbes said: “This was our first competitive outing of 2024.
"All the games were evenly contested, with the Lewis and Harris manager saying they were played in the correct manner – 'competitive but fair'."
Forbes added: “It was great to get back out playing football. The lads were understandably a bit rusty but they competed well, and it all bodes well for the future."
Results – Game one: Caithness Blue 0, Lewis and Harris Yellow 2; Caithness Black/White 2, Lewis and Harris Orange 2.
Game two: Caithness Blue 0, Lewis and Harris Orange 0; Caithness Black/White 1, Lewis and Harris Yellow 3.
Game three: Caithness “A” 0, Lewis and Harris “A” 2; Caithness “B” 2, Lewis and Harris “B” 2.
Caithness goalscorers were Duncan Magee (2), Ruaridh Cameron, Allan Sutherland and Connor Mann.
