Final four takes shape in David Allan Shield semis
The semi-finals of the David Allan Shield took shape last week, with cup holders Wick Groats now set to host Division Two leaders Keiss, while Pentland United welcome Staxigoe United in the last four.
Wick Groats set the standard with an impressive 4-1 win at home to John O’Groats on Thursday evening.
It was honours even between the sides at half time before goals from Eddie Macgregor for JOG and Steven Anderson for the Wick side kicked the game into life.
The game swung in Groats’ favour midway through the second half when Jonah Martens converted a penalty to give his side the lead.
The Wick side wrapped up the victory with goals from Steven Sutherland and Liam Bremner, only for Martens to be shown a red card in the dying stages.
On Friday night, Keiss continued their recent run of good cup form with a 6-2 win away to Thurso Swifts.
Despite taking the lead through Nigel Mackenzie, Swifts succumbed to hat-trick from Olly Manton, a brace from Ryan Calder and a goal from Tony Miller as the promotion contenders swung the game in the favour.
Mackenzie netted again to reduce the deficit late on, albeit in vain.
An uncompromising Pentland United booked their place in the final four with a 7-0 win away to Wick Thistle.
A quiet second half ended with a 40th minute goal for Sam Mackay and it was the second half before Conor Cormack doubled their advantage.
Further goals from Andy Mackay, James Murray, Conor Trueman and another two from Cormack for his hat-trick rounded off a second half rout for the Stabbies.
At Cow Park, Lybster, Staxigoe United advanced at the expense of High Ormlie Hotspurs.
Goals from Martin Banks and Graham Macnab saw Staxigoe race into a two-goal lead before Mark Munro halved the deficit.
Macnab was on target again in the second half to make it 3-1, and with minutes left the same player made it a hat-trick.