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Mackintosh puts High Ormlie Hotspur in the driving seat after bus trouble on Highland Amateur Cup trip


By Alan Hendry

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James Mackintosh's header goes into the top corner to secure victory for High Ormlie Hotspur against Helmsdale United at Couper Park. Picture: Mel Roger
James Mackintosh's header goes into the top corner to secure victory for High Ormlie Hotspur against Helmsdale United at Couper Park. Picture: Mel Roger

High Ormlie Hotspur got themselves on the road to round two in the Highland Amateur Cup despite encountering transport difficulties on their journey to Sutherland on Saturday.

Kick-off against Helmsdale United was delayed by about half an hour after Spurs' bus broke down at Berriedale. When the game at Couper Park did get going, a second-half goal by James Mackintosh was enough to secure a 1-0 win for the visitors.

Player/co-manager Rob McLean said: "The day was fantastic on a personal note – it was my first-ever Highland Amateur Cup match, so I was really looking forward to it.

"Unfortunately, just before the Berriedale Braes, our bus broke down so we had to rely on some parents that were going down to the game and a community minibus which came up from Helmsdale to get the rest of the boys to the game.

Murray Mackay of High Ormlie Hotspur tackles Helmsdale United's Danny Doogan at Couper Park. Picture: Mel Roger
Murray Mackay of High Ormlie Hotspur tackles Helmsdale United's Danny Doogan at Couper Park. Picture: Mel Roger

"The Helmsdale boys and the referee were very good in giving us a little bit of time, when we did eventually arrive, to warm up and prepare. It wasn't a disaster, but it was a far from ideal start to the day.

"In terms of the 90 minutes of football that was played, I don't think there was that much between the sides.

"They were a pretty good team as well, to be fair. The pitch was very small and it was very hard. You never felt that you had that much space around you – you were always getting closed down.

"There wasn't that much quality football from either team. It was a very intense match, but we're delighted to come away with the win and be in the next round."

Aidan Reid of High Ormlie Hotspur in a race with Helmsdale United's Kevin Cairns. Picture: Mel Roger
Aidan Reid of High Ormlie Hotspur in a race with Helmsdale United's Kevin Cairns. Picture: Mel Roger

The decisive moment came midway through the second half when Stuart Campbell delivered a corner that Mackintosh headed in.

"It was a really good header by James – he rose above everyone and put it right in the top corner," McLean said. "He deserved it for his performance – he was excellent for us."

High Ormlie will be at home in the second round to Lochinver, who hammered Thurso Pentland 9-0 on Saturday.

High Ormlie striker William Cannop runs at Helmsdale United keeper Cameron Yuill. Picture: Mel Roger
High Ormlie striker William Cannop runs at Helmsdale United keeper Cameron Yuill. Picture: Mel Roger

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