‘To get a result like that is unbelievable’: Swifts reach last four with victory over Wick Groats
Manager Asa Sinclair admitted he couldn’t have asked for any more from his players after Thurso Swifts pulled off a shock 1-0 victory over Wick Groats in the quarter-finals of the Stannergill Cup.
A first-half strike by Darren Wood, allied to a disciplined defensive display and some outstanding saves by 15-year-old goalkeeper Kyle Bain, allowed the second division side to get the better of their top-flight opponents at the Dammies on Friday night.
Swifts’ reward is a semi-final away to Castletown on Thursday. Staxigoe United will take on Pentland United in the other last-four tie on Friday.
“I am delighted with the result,” Sinclair said. “Wick Groats are a great side, with so much quality and experience in their team, so to get a result like that is unbelievable.
“All credit to the players – without each and every one of them giving 100 per cent it wouldn’t have been possible. They left everything out on the pitch and I can’t ask any more from them.
“If we show the same character and team spirit against Castletown, anything could happen.
“It was a satisfying goal for me as we had the desire to apply pressure in the final third through Darryn Mackay. Riley Gray then delivered a fantastic ball into the area which was met by Darren Wood to apply a smart finish over the goalkeeper.
“After that we defended as a unit, but special mention to the defence and Kyle in goal who had to concentrate fully for the remainder of the game. They always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to make a block or clearance and Kyle had some outstanding saves.
“We also tried to play football when we could. John Mullally showed some real quality and composure on the ball to take a bit of pressure off at times.”
Sinclair added: “I have told the lads to enjoy the win, but football in Caithness comes at you fast. We need to keep applying the same commitment to get as far in the cups as possible and improve our position in the league to make it a successful season.”
Wick Groats manager Kevin Anderson said: “Well done to Swifts, they deserved their win. Our goalkeeper had very little to do bar pick the ball out the net, but if you don’t take your chances you don’t deserve to win games of football – it’s as simple as that.
“We had plenty of the ball, and plenty of opportunities in the final third, but severely lacked the quality that was needed on the night.”
Castletown progressed with a 4-2 home victory over John O’Groats. Shane Kennedy and Owen Bain both scored doubles for Castletown, with Marc Macgregor netting two penalties for JOG.
Castletown will be eager to reach the final of the new competition given that it is being played at the village’s Back Park – as its predecessor, the Colin Macleod Memorial Cup, was until 2024.
Pentland United’s Sean Munro was sent off in the first half of their quarter-final at Halkirk. But the Stabbies went safely through 3-0 with goals by James Murray, Allan Munro and Cameron Montgomery.
Staxigoe United extended their unbeaten run to eight games with a 2-1 win against High Ormlie Hotspur at the Upper Bignold.
Player/manager Martin Banks scored twice for Staxigoe. Kevin Cairns pulled one back for High Ormlie, who were reduced to 10 men late on when James Mackintosh picked up a second yellow card.
Results – Stannergill Cup, quarter-finals: Castletown 4, John O’Groats 2; Halkirk 0, Pentland United 3; Swifts 1, Wick Groats 0; Staxigoe United 2, High Ormlie Hotspur 1.
Fixtures – Sunday – SWF Highlands and Islands League Cup: Caithness v Sutherland (Castletown, 2pm); Clachnacuddin v Shetland.
Monday, May 19 – Division One: Keiss v High Ormlie Hotspur; John O’Groats v Lybster; Pentland United v Staxigoe United; Wick Groats v Castletown (all 7.15pm).
Tuesday, May 20 – Division Two: Halkirk v Watten; Thurso Pentland v Top Joe’s; Wick Thistle v Acks (all 7.15pm).
Thursday, May 22 – Stannergill Cup, semi-final: Castletown v Swifts (7pm).
Friday, May 23 – Stannergill Cup, semi-final: Staxigoe United v Pentland United (7pm).
