Hotspur focus is back on league business after cup victory over Pentland United
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Holders High Ormlie Hotspur will fancy their chances of going all the way again in the Highland Amateur Cup after Saturday's 1-0 preliminary round victory over Pentland United – but their immediate priority is picking up league points.
Mark Munro fired home the only goal early in the second half at Morrison Park to send the record eight-time winners out of the 2023 competition at the first hurdle.
The Stabbies had been looking to make amends for their shoot-out defeat against the same opponents in last year's final, but there was no way through the well-drilled Hotspur defence.
High Ormlie co-manager Liam Sutherland said: "I was delighted to get the win against Pentland United – they're a really strong side and their record in the competition speaks for itself.
"I was really pleased with how we defended throughout the game, especially after we took the lead. We kept our shape and stayed well organised, everyone stepped up on the day and thankfully we managed to hold on and get through to the next round."
Spurs have a county league double-header against Wick opposition this week. They are away to Groats on Tuesday and at home to Thistle on Friday.
Sutherland said: "Everyone at the club absolutely loves the Highland Amateur Cup and they're all looking forward to the next round. But we have two important league games this week that we have to focus on now and make sure we're ready for them."
Michael Gray insisted Pentland United's season will not be defined by their early exit from the Highland Amateur Cup.
The Stabbies' co-manager said: "It was a hugely disappointing result on a very challenging surface.
"We defended quite well, the goal apart. However, I felt that our decision-making was off on the day – we tried forcing situations when they didn't need to be and there were better options available.
"In the latter stages we carved out some great opportunities but unfortunately just lacked the necessary composure to put them away.
"There are still all the local trophies to compete for so we certainly won't be allowing the result to define our season. We will regroup and go again on Tuesday against Acks in Dunnet, which should be a good game."
Pentland United's Conor Trueman suffered an ankle injury during Saturday's tie.
"He was X-rayed after the game and it was diagnosed as soft tissue damage," Gray said. "It can be difficult to predict recovery periods for such injuries but likely he will miss a good four weeks."
Results – Highland Amateur Cup, preliminary round, north section: High Ormlie Hotspur 1, Pentland United 0; John O'Groats 0, Lairg Rovers 0 (Lairg won 4-2 on penalties); Keiss 4, Brora Wanderers 3; Lochinver 5, Lybster 3; Thurso Swifts 2, Golspie Stafford 3; Watten 2, Lochbroom 5.
CAFA fixtures (all 6.45pm) – Monday, April 24 – Division One: Staxigoe United v Wick Thistle.
Tuesday, April 25 – Division One: John O'Groats v Castletown; Pentland United v Acks; Wick Groats v High Ormlie Hotspur.
Wednesday, April 26 – Division Two: Lybster v Swifts; Thurso Pentland v Keiss; Top Joe's v Watten.
Friday, April 28 – Division One: Castletown v Acks; High Ormlie Hotspur v Wick Thistle; John O'Groats v Wick Groats; Staxigoe United v Pentland United.
