Injury concern as Pentland United edge out Castletown in Highland Amateur Cup
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Record eight-times winners Pentland United are targeting another deep run in the Highland Amateur Cup after edging out near neighbours Castletown in the preliminary round.
Grant Steven scored from an Innes Mackintosh corner to give the Stabbies a 1-0 win at Back Park on Saturday in a match that was overshadowed by a neck injury to Castletown defender Danny Mackay while he was clearing a cross.
United will be away to Top Joe’s in round one.
Their co-manager Michael Gray said: “We are delighted to get through a really difficult tie. All at Pentland United wish Danny a swift and full recovery.
“The game itself was a typical local derby, fiercely contested, with not a huge amount of clear-cut chances. I felt we held the lion’s share of attacking opportunities but maybe lacked composure at critical times to either find a team-mate or shoot at the right time.
“It’s now on to Top Joe’s, which will present different challenges, but Bruce [Cormack] and his team have our utmost respect. We hope by then we will have a healthier group to choose from as this is a really testing period in terms of availability.
“But it’s a special competition and we would dearly love to have a deep run.”
Wick Groats, who reached last year’s final only to lose 1-0 to Avoch, progressed with a 3-0 victory over Acks at the Dammies.
Jonah Martens, Liam Bremner and Sean Stewart were on target for Groats, who face Staxigoe United next.
Assistant manager Stewart Ross said: “After scoring an early goal we had to wait about an hour before finally putting the tie to bed. Acks battled tooth and nail and put up a very resolute fight.
“We played some really nice stuff on what was a difficult surface in tricky conditions but couldn’t quite find that killer pass or cross into the box.
“Acks’ goalie had some cracking saves to keep them in it. It was good to see Bremmy get another goal and keep his recovery moving in the right direction.”
Ross added: “I’d like to give a special mention to Alfie Miller, who made his 90-minute debut. He showed great composure and confidence in possession and some tenacious tackling at right-back.
“It wasn’t a vintage performance by us, but good to progress into the next round without too much drama and being able to rotate the squad as we go into a very busy two-week period.”
High Ormlie Hotspur, the 2022 winners, had a 5-1 success at John O’Groats.
High Ormlie’s goals came from Stuart Campbell, Kuba Koziol, Aaron Wilson, Kieran MacGregor and Scott Ross, with Eddie MacGregor replying for JOG.
Wick Thistle played their preliminary tie against Thurso Pentland under the Harmsworth Park floodlights and the Jags went safely through 5-0. Scorers were Scott Durrand, Sam Barclay (2), Ryan Reid and an own goal.
Thurso Swifts lost 1-0 at home to Helmsdale United.
Revised first-round draw, north section: Golspie Stafford v Inver; Helmsdale United v Brora Wanderers; High Ormlie Hotspur v Keiss; Lairg Rovers v Tain Thistle; Lochinver v Halkirk; Lybster v Lochbroom; Staxigoe United v Wick Groats; Top Joe’s v Pentland United; Watten v Wick Thistle.
Results – Highland Amateur Cup, preliminary round, north section: Acks 0, Wick Groats 3; Castletown 0, Pentland United 1; John O’Groats 1, High Ormlie Hotspur 5; Thurso Swifts 0, Helmsdale United 1; Wick Thistle 5, Thurso Pentland 0.
Fixtures – Tuesday, April 23 – CAFA Division One: Castletown v John O'Groats; Pentland United v Lybster; Wick Groats v High Ormlie Hotspur. Division Two: Thurso Pentland v Swifts.
Wednesday, April 24 – Division Two: Halkirk v Keiss; Watten v Top Joe's.
Friday, April 26 – Division One: John O’Groats v Pentland United; Lybster v High Ormlie Hotspur; Wick Thistle v Wick Groats. Division Two: Acks v Swifts (all 6.45pm).
Saturday, April 27 – Division One: Staxigoe United v Castletown. Division Two: Watten v Pentland (3pm, TBC).
