Staxigoe hit Lybster for six while champions Groats start with emphatic victory
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STAXIGOE United got their CAFA Division One campaign off to a flying start as they handed out six of the best to Lybster in a 6-1 thrashing.
Kyle Henderson’s hat-trick led the way, with a brace from Cameron Sutherland and one from Martin Banks securing all three points on the opening day of the new season. Daniel Snoad scored Lybster’s consolation.
Manager Andrew Banks was delighted with start – especially with Henderson’s goalscoring feats.
He said: “I suppose Kyle is a bit like Kris Boyd. Does nothing much for most of the game but the next thing you know he’s rattled in a few goals.
“But he’s put three away and set us on our way to what was a very good win. I felt the match would be a bit more even but we then had a 20-minute spell in which we hit four past them.
“So that pretty much killed off the game.
“It wasn’t just Kyle’s hat-trick, though. Cameron played well and Martin Banks pretty much made us tick with his usual 110 per cent.
“However, I must pay tribute to Chris Green. He plays winter football as well and he cracked his rib a while back.
“He made his comeback from that injury at Lybster and for his first game in many weeks he did very well.”
Elsewhere, Kevin Anderson’s Wick Groats picked up where they left off from last year as the reigning champions went nap on Halkirk in a 5-0 victory.
Scott Risbridger, Graham MacNab, Ross Davidson and Christopher Taylor were on target. Groats’ other strike came from an own goal but that was the one that had Anderson chuckling on the touchline.
He said: “Ross Davidson’s goal had a bit of comedy about it. Their keeper went to clear a cross by punching the ball away.
“However, as Ross had jumped up a yard away from him to try and head in the initial cross, the keeper punched the ball and it immediately smacked the back of Ross’s head and flew in.
“I don’t know if Ross is claiming he meant it but he’s claiming it all right.”
The other two matches in the top flight that were scheduled to take place – John O’Groats v Thurso Acks and Thurso Swifts v Pentland United – were both postponed due to a referee not being available.
In Division Two, goals from Brandon Macleod (two), Kieran Campbell (two), Ian Smith (two), Darryn Mackay, Lee Elder, Steven Grant and Connor Macleod sealed a 10-2 victory for Thurso Pentland against Top Joes. The TJ goals came from Euan Macgregor and Mark Munro.
Elsewhere, Castletown and FC Retro shared a 10-goal thriller as they drew 5-5. Connor Macintosh (two), Ryan Forbes, Benn Murray and Chris Sutherland were on target for Castletown. Tony Miller (two), Alan Steven, Callum Musgrave and Damon Meikle hit the net for Retro.
High Ormlie Hotspur thrashed Watten 5-1 thanks to an Andy Mackay hat trick and two from Korbyn Cameron. Kai Cameron’s penalty netted Watten’s consolation.
Keiss were held 1-1 at home by Francis Street Club. Alan Ferrier netted for Keiss with Francis Street’s goal coming via Johnathan Stewart.
Fixtures (kick-offs 6.30pm unless stated otherwise):
Tonight – Colin Macleod Memorial Cup, preliminary round: Lybster v Thurso Acks.
Tomorrow – Highland Amateur Cup, north section preliminary round: High Ormlie Hotspurs v Thurso Swifts (3pm); Tain FC v Pentland United (3pm); Brora Wanderers v Top Joes (3pm); Francis Street Club v Dornoch City (3pm); Keiss v Golspie Safford (3pm); Halkirk v Embo (3pm).
Monday, April 23 – Colin Macleod Memorial Cup, first round: Staxigoe United v FC Retro.
Tuesday, April 24 – Colin Macleod Memorial Cup, first round: Francis Street Club v High Ormlie Hotspur; John O’Groats v Thurso Pentland; Pentland United v Wick Groats.
Wednesday, April 25 – Colin Macleod Memorial Cup, first round: Keiss v Halkirk; Top Joes v Thurso Swifts; Wick Thistle v Watten.
