It's seventh heaven as Groats seal title
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WICK Groats are in seventh heaven after clinching the Cafa Division One league title.
They did so in style by winning 3-1 against John O’Groats thanks to a Graeme MacNab brace and a further strike from Scott Risbridger. JOG’s consolation came via Grant Budge.
The champions, despite doing it the hard way in comparison to last year’s season-long coronation, have now made it seven league titles in a row – a Cafa record.
Pentland United, who for so long looked likely to win the title themselves before they tripped up at home to Groats last week, needed to beat Lybster and hope Groats lost their final match of the season.
United took care of things at their end with goals from Michael Petrie, Sean Campbell and Innes Mackintosh sealing a 3-0 victory.
That was none of Groats’ concern as the championship trophy was once more in their hands with champagne corks popping all over the place.
The celebrations went on into the night and, as Groats boss Kevin Anderson said, they made the most of it.
“I am absolutely delighted,” he said. “It was fantastic to win the title and yes there was a big celebration afterwards.
“I don’t want to give too much away but the title-winning party was a late one.
“The boys though deserved that. They had worked so hard to hang in there and then win it at the last with a good, solid performance.
“I can’t thank the boys enough for their effort and commitment as the last six weeks have been tough. We had Jack Henry and Alan Hughes leave us to join Wick Academy. Alan Sinclair picked up an injury that ended his
season early and we lost Brandon Sinclair as he left to do a football scholarship in America.
“One or two folk were then writing us off after Pentland United had beaten us at home.
“That only served to galvanise the boys and they raised their game to set about
catching Pentland up and overtaking them to win the league.
“I think this campaign was more satisfying than last year.
“The fact that we were tested by a really good Pentland side and managed to go on a run and overtake them knowing one more blip could cost you shows the strength of character the boys have.”
Pentland United’s Michael Gray said he was proud of his players regardless. “We were unable to make that final step but the team has done well this season,” he said.
“The boys are feeling pretty raw about it but we have made progress and we still have Saturday’s Highland Amateur Cup final to look forward to.”
