Campbell strike secures three points for High Ormlie Hotspur
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A late goal by Stuart Campbell was enough to give High Ormlie Hotspur all three points in Monday's Caithness AFA Division One clash with John O’Groats at Morrison Park.
Co-manager Liam Sutherland was pleased with the improvement from Spurs' season-opening fixture six days earlier when they were held to a draw by newly promoted Castletown.
“It only finished 1-0 but we played really well, especially after our performance last week," Sutherland said. "We created plenty of opportunities in the first half especially, and on another night could have scored a lot more.
“The important thing is we got the three points and the boys put in a really good performance. They kept the ball well.”
The decisive moment came late on when Campbell's shot slipped through the legs of John O'Groats keeper Egert Indres.
“The keeper had a really good game up to that point," Sutherland said. "He made some cracking saves in the first half especially and a couple more in the second half.”
Second-half goals by Aidan Ross and Darryn Mackay earned a 2-0 home win for Swifts against Watten in Division Two.
Swifts manager Stevie Reid was pleased with the outcome but unhappy with the state of the playing surface at the Dammies.
The Thurso side secured a play-off spot last summer, only to lose out to Wick Thistle, and look well placed to challenge for promotion again.
“I would say we are a bit stronger," Reid said. "It's all about giving a bit of experience to young boys who are coming out of youth football.
“Whether it's this year or next year, who knows – it's just a matter of not putting any pressure on them at all. We'll go out and play and just see where it takes us, the same as last year.
“We've got some older, more experienced guys helping us this year which is even better. I can say whatever I want to try to encourage them but when they're on the pitch they need that guidance.
“I've managed to get Darryn Mackay and his brother Gary Mackay and Shaun Forbes. We've been lucky enough to get them on board so that's a big help."
Reid added: “It was a really scrappy game. We were trying to play football but I have to say the Dammies is in a hell of a mess. It's bumpy and full of holes and ruts.
“I fear now it's going to dry out and it's going to be horrific. It doesn't lend itself to good football at all.
“Our boys tried their best but it was really difficult.”
