Groats boss hails his players as they prove too strong for Pentland
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WICK GROATS boss Kevin Anderson saluted his troops as an outstanding display booked his side a place in the next round of the Colin Macleod Memorial Cup.
Despite being paired against arch-rivals Pentland United – a tie many thought would have more suited the final itself – a controlled performance ensured that their hosts did not lay a glove on them in a 2-0 victory.
Their reward is a home tie against Staxigoe United who last week had defeated FC Retro 4-3.
A delighted Anderson said: “The performance from the lads was really good – all the more so considering, in my opinion, that they did so without hitting top gear.
“They controlled the game from start to finish. While you’re always wary at 0-0 or even at being 1-0 up of the opposition having a spell in the game which could peg you back, that never happened.
“Pentland United have the means to score past anybody on their day but we were able to nullify them while being clinical in front of goal at the other end of the park.
“The first goal came when Ben Sinclair put in a lovely cross from the right and Ryan Campbell managed to head it in across goal. Then Ben himself cracked in a superb strike with his left foot on the edge of the box to wrap the tie up.”
Elsewhere, Castletown pulled off the shock of the round when the second division side travelled to first division Thurso Acks and delivered a 4-1 thumping.
Connor Macintosh was the hero with a hat-trick as Michael Smith also netted for Castletown. Conor Trueman’s strike proved to be a consolation for sorry Acks.
Castletown boss Kevin Mackay said: “That was a big difference from when we played FC Retro last week where we were not as solid at the back in a 5-5 draw.
“We had our keeper Lee Kirk back for the Acks game and that made a huge difference. Against Retro, Lee had a bug and couldn’t play so we had to put in a young lad of 15 who understandably had a bit of stage fright.
“His time will come one day but having Lee back in goal helped. Plus we had a few others back as well and maybe Acks looked at that Retro result and let their guard slip thinking we’d ship a few goals.
“The lads deserved to win as they played well throughout the team. We’d love to do well in this cup as Colin Macleod of course played for Castletown and was also our assistant manager.”
Castletown’s reward is a trip to High Ormlie Hotspur, who are no doubt feeling gr-eight at being in the next round after they demolished Francis Street Club 8-0.
Hotspur’s goals came from Arron McNicol, Andrew Mackay, John Barclay (2), Ryan Sutherland jnr (2), Lee Sutherland and an own goal.
Manager Ewan McElroy said: “It was a heavy pitch and the hailstorm didn’t help matters but the boys worked really hard and were worth the winning margin. Arron and Lee controlled the tempo while John marshalled the defence superbly.”
Thurso Pentland are through following their 3-1 at John O’Groats. Brandon Macleod and Lee Elder (2) were on target for the visitors, while their hosts netted via Iain Green.
Scott Miller struck four times as Thurso Swifts thrashed Top Joes 8-0.
Darren Malcolm (2), Steven Lowe and Derek Manson were also on target.
Marc Gunn struck twice as Wick Thistle defeated Watten 3-0.
Ross Macleod scored the other. Halkirk went through as William Hughes scored in a 1-0 victory at Keiss.
Fixtures (all kick-offs 6.45pm):
Monday, April 30 – CAFA Division Two: FC Retro v Keiss; Top Joes v High Ormlie Hotspur; Watten v Castletown; Wick Thistle v Thurso Pentland.
Tuesday, May 1 – CAFA Division One: Halkirk v Staxigoe United; Pentland United v Lybster; Thurso Acks v Thurso Swifts; Wick Groats v John O’Groats.
Wednesday, May 3 – Colin Macleod Cup, quarter-finals: Wick Thistle v Thurso Pentland; High Ormlie Hotspur v Castletown; Halkirk v Thurso Swifts.
