Castletown back in top flight as McKenna says being manager is 'an absolute joy'
Tom McKenna declared that managing Castletown is "an absolute joy" after leading the village club back into the top flight of Caithness summer football.
The Back Park outfit clinched the Division Two title on Thursday night with a 2-0 home win against Thurso Swifts. McKenna was full of praise for the Castletown set-up and the support he has received from club chairman Kevin Mackay.
“I was looking at the club as a whole, and looking at players, and trying to generate something and create a foundation to go forward," the former Wick Academy boss said.
"That was the way I was looking at it, and if we won as many games as we could then I knew we'd be in a good place come the end of the season, so it has worked out that way.
“I've loved it. The chairman, and the club as a whole, they can't do enough for me. The chairman has been absolutely brilliant. Anything I've asked for, he has provided it.
“The players are well looked after, it's a fantastic pitch, great facilities – it has been an absolute joy, to be honest.
“We've all worked together to achieve what we've achieved. It has not been about any individual – it has been about working hard to get there."
It is McKenna's first season in the county league and he has high hopes for Castletown as they prepare to return to Division One in 2023.
“I'd like to be there next year. I've not just come in as a short-term fix," he said.
"All being well, I'd like to think I'll be there next year. I've been looking at a bigger picture, a long-term venture with them.
“It has been a pleasure working with the coaching team, Robbie Carbry, Danny Mackay and Gavin Henderson.
"I think the four of us complement each other and we get on brilliantly on and off the pitch. We have a fantastic relationship and I think that has rubbed off on the players – they can see the harmony and togetherness with us."
Jack McKechnie scored a first-half penalty against Swifts and Jake Dunnet made sure of the points in the second period.
The result meant Castletown secured the second division championship with three games to spare, having taken 31 points from their opening 12 league fixtures. They cannot be overtaken by second-placed Swifts who remain on the 19-point mark, one point ahead of Keiss.
McKenna reckons Swifts, managed by Stevie Reid, are well equipped to finish in the promotion play-off spot as runners-up.
“The games we've played against Swifts have been really close encounters," McKenna pointed out. "Last night, as much as we won 2-0, it was a really tough game and it could have gone either way.
“They have definitely run us close and they've got a lot of good young lads there. I think they will probably be in the play-off position.
“Stevie has gone in there with a blank canvas. He has worked really hard to get those young players in there and I think he has done a fantastic job in the short time he's had.”
Meanwhile, McKenna has reminded the team that there is plenty to play for over the remainder of the campaign.
He said: “We've still got two cups to be involved in, we've still got our own goals and targets.”
Shane Honeyman hit a hat-trick for Watten as they won 3-2 away to Thurso Pentland. Lewis Gow and Brandon Macleod got Pentland's goals.
It was a second league win of the season for Watten as they reduced the gap between themselves and second-bottom Top Joe's to five points.
Watten manager Ben Leonard said: "I was proud of the boys for digging deep and managing to hold onto the lead after Pentland managed to get back into the game.
"Anything we can take into next season is a bonus right now after what has really been a poor season for us."
Keiss were 4-0 winners over Top Joe's at Bayview Park in Thursday's other match with goals from Lewis Gill (2), Alan Steven and Adam Sherry.
Keiss co-manager Kai Tait said: "We got off to a great start – scoring in the first minute really pushed us on.
"We pressed really well and didn’t allow Top Joe's a chance to get out. It was a great performance.
"It's good to get another three points on the board to keep our run of form going."
Results – Eain Mackintosh Cup, semi-finals: Castletown 1, Wick Groats 2; Staxigoe United 1, Pentland United 4. Steven Cup, quarter-final, first leg: Watten 1, Keiss 2.
Division One: John O'Groats 0, Wick Groats 11; Pentland United 5, Acks 0; Staxigoe United 2, High Ormlie Hotspur 1; Wick Thistle 2, Lybster 3.
Division Two: Castletown 2, Swifts 0; Keiss 4, Top Joe's 0; Pentland 2, Watten 3.
Fixtures – Saturday – Highland Amateur Cup, quarter-finals: Golspie Stafford v High Ormlie Hotspur (3pm); IRN Security v Wick Groats (3pm, Ardersier); Ness v Avoch (3pm); Stromness Athletic v Pentland United (noon).
Ken Green Challenge Cup: Wick Academy v Orkney (2.15pm, free entry).
Monday – Steven Cup, quarter-finals: Top Joe's v Castletown (first leg); Keiss v Watten (second leg, 7.15pm).
Tuesday – Division One: Acks v Wick Thistle; High Ormlie Hotspur v Lybster; John OGroats v Staxigoe United; Wick Groats v Pentland United (7.30pm).