Manager pride as High Ormlie Hotspur reach Highland Amateur Cup final
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Ewan McElroy says his players have come of age after High Ormlie Hotspur stunned Wick Groats 2-1 to make the Highland Amateur Cup final for the first time.
HOH came from behind to knockout the holders in a thrilling encounter at Back Park in Castletown.
Wick Groats took the lead in the semi final with Graham McNab finding the net.
It looked like that would be enough for Groats to make the final until two minutes from time when James Mackintosh slotted the ball through to the charging Aaron Wilson, who calmly fired the ball into the bottom corner.
In the dying seconds of the game, High Ormlie left the crowd stunned and their own fans delirious.
Aaron Wilson’s cross deflected off a Wick Groats player and the ball rolled into the bottom corner of the net to give them victory and reach the final for the first time.
Speaking after the game, McElroy, who was manager for the day, said a number of the players started at the club as teenagers and showed how far they have come.
“I am unbelievably proud of the lads’ achievement, not just the boys playing today but for everyone connected to the club,” he said.
“It doesn’t seem that long ago we were bottom of the second division and struggling to score let alone win a game.
“A lot of these boys started here as teenagers and it shows what you can do when you work hard and stick together.
“The boys were absolutely brilliant and the team spirit within the club is fantastic.”
High Ormlie Hotspur are celebrating their 10th anniversary this season after being established in 2012.
They were previously based at Ormlie Park in Thurso before relocating to Halkirk this season.
They will face Pentland United in the final at Harmsworth Park on Saturday, August 20.
