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Mackay praises players for professional attitude after Golspie clinch North Caledonian title


By Will Clark

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Golspie player/manager Sam Mackay has praised his team for the way they kept their focus after the North Caledonian League resumed, enabling them to clinch the title with a game to spare.

The Sutherland side became Division One champions on Saturday after they won in Orkney and their nearest challengers, Invergordon, lost to Thurso.

Liam Bremner’s second-half strike was enough to give Golspie a 1-0 victory in Holm and an unassailable four-point lead. It is the club's 11th league title.

Mackay paid tribute to his players for their professional attitude since the league restarted in May following a five-month break.

When they heard confirmation that Invergordon had been beaten 3-1 at the Dammies in the later kick-off, the Golspie squad were in an appropriate place to celebrate.

“We were in a pub in St Margaret’s Hope while a couple of the players’ families were at the game in Thurso giving us updates,” Mackay said.

“When we got the news we were champions, there was a fair scene in the pub.”

Sam Mackay in an aerial duel with Andy Mackay of Halkirk United during Golspie's recent 3-0 win at Morrison Park. Picture: James Gunn
Sam Mackay in an aerial duel with Andy Mackay of Halkirk United during Golspie's recent 3-0 win at Morrison Park. Picture: James Gunn

Invergordon were favourites at the halfway stage of the campaign. But since the league returned the Easter Ross outfit have picked up only two points from four games and Mackay said his team simply took their chance.

“Invergordon have stumbled since the restart, which was surprising because they have a strong team,” he said.

“We were left in a position where we had to win our games and see where it took us.

“I said to the guys that we had four cup finals to play and if we won every game we would win the league, because we still had to play Invergordon at that stage.

“We got a great point, which helped us massively, and we are pleased with the way it has all worked out.”

The former Wick Academy midfielder – who took over the Golspie role from previous manager Andrew Banks during the campaign – thanked the club for the support he has been given.

Mackay said: “There are people at the club who deserve more credit than me who have been there for years, and this is for them.”

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