I want to enjoy it while I can, says Pentland United marksman Murray
Pentland United striker James Murray made a conscious effort to improve his fitness ahead of the 2024 summer season – and it has paid off in style as his goals have helped take the Stabbies to the brink of the county title.
Murray brought his tally for the season to 36 in all competitions with a four-goal haul in United’s 5-1 victory at Lybster in midweek and he has now found the net 275 times for the Dunnet club.
His fitness regime this year has included the Inverness Half Marathon and two 10k events, while he has the Loch Ness 24 endurance challenge coming up in late August.
“I’ve made a conscious effort,” Murray said. “I’m 33 now so I just want to enjoy it before time runs out.”
United remain four points clear at the top of Caithness AFA Division One with two fixtures remaining and they can clinch the title by taking at least one point from their showdown with reigning champions Wick Groats on Tuesday, August 6.
“It’s ours to lose now, definitely,” Murray said. “It’s Wick Groats next, so avoid defeat and we’ll be all right.”
The Stabbies, who won the Colin Macleod Memorial Cup last month, are also targeting the David Allan Shield and have a Highland Amateur Cup semi-final against Stornoway Athletic at the start of next month.
In winter football, Murray will take on a new challenge for the 2024/25 North Caledonian League campaign by joining the big Caithness contingent at Golspie.
“I’m giving it a go with Golspie this year,” he said. “It’s a chance to play in the Scottish Cup and North of Scotland Cup.”
He reckons his former club Thurso will make progress under new manager Tom McKenna, having ended up second bottom in each of the past two seasons. “They’ll have a bit of a rebuild – they’ll be fine,” Murray said.
Pentland United co-manager Michael Gray, speaking after Tuesday’s victory at Cow Park, praised Murray’s eye for goal.
“Fair play to him,” Gray said. “When you’re a goalscorer it’s about getting in the right position.
“He didn’t let the couple that got away from him at the start of the second half bother him – he kept putting himself in the right areas and the boys kept on delivering the ball.”
