Cup final place at stake as Anglers take on new champions Invergordon

Newly crowned North Caledonian League champions Invergordon will stand in the way of a cup final appearance for Halkirk United when the teams meet at Morrison Park on Wednesday night.

The Easter Ross outfit clinched the title on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Inverness Athletic at Alness. They cannot now be caught by second-placed Loch Ness, whose scheduled match at Thurso was called off due to high winds.

The Anglers go into the North Caledonian Cup semi-final after back-to-back wins and clean sheets in their last two league games.

Following the 2-0 victory over Bonar Bridge last midweek, Ewan McElroy's men were 4-0 winners over Clachnacuddin "A" at home on Saturday thanks to goals by Kieran MacGregor, James Mackintosh, Andy Mackay and Mark Munro which all came in the last 20 minutes.

The result lifted Halkirk to third in the table.

Ryan McFee and Jordan Knight were Invergordon's scorers against Athletic.

The points were shared in both league matches between the Anglers and Invergordon this season. They drew 0-0 at Morrison Park in November, then 1-1 at the Recreation Grounds earlier this month.

By regaining the title, Invergordon – who last won it in 2022 – have also earned a spot in next season’s Scottish Cup.

North Caledonian League results from Saturday: Fort William 0, St Duthus 1; Halkirk United 4, Clachnacuddin "A" 0; Inverness Athletic 0, Invergordon 2.

Fixtures – Wednesday, March 27 – North Caledonian Cup: Golspie Sutherland v Loch Ness (quarter-final); Halkirk United v Invergordon (semi-final, 8pm).

Saturday, March 30 – North Caledonian League: Clachnacuddin "A" v Bonar Bridge; Halkirk United v Fort William (1pm); St Duthus v Loch Ness; Thurso v Orkney (12.30pm).

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