Uniteds clash in Halkirk showdown
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TOMORROW’S Eain Mackintosh Cup final will be a west versus east affair after Pentland United and Staxigoe United progressed in contrasting fashions from their respective semis on Tuesday evening.
Acks were shocked at the Dammies when they lost 2-1 to Staxigoe after being guilty of missing numerous chances to have the game sewn up before half-time.
Acks took the lead in the 10th minute as a result of a sweeping passage of play sparked from the halfway line which saw a through ball into the box being snapped up by Murray Mackintosh. After stepping past keeper Daniel Budge, he unselfishly set up team-mate Paul Wares for the opener.
The home side were unlucky not to be three up before the interval after shots crashed against the bar and the post as Acks dominated the first 45. Their lack of composure was to cost them as Staxigoe came out a different team in the second half and were in the lead before the hour mark.
The goals came from a lack of discipline from Acks when they were penalised for two fouls on the edge of the penalty box. Gordy MacNab extended his reputation as a free kick specialist when he slotted home both to give the visitors a shock victory over the in-form Thurso side.
There was no shock in the other game as Pentland United cruised to a 4-0 victory over Halkirk at Recreation Park.
The home side gave PU a run for their money, creating numerous chances and were unlucky not to take the lead after giving goalkeeper Michael Gray cause for concern in the first half.
But with Wick Academy players in their ranks, the Dunnet men eventually saw out the game in stylish fashion with Scorries Ross Allan and Lukasz Geruzel getting on the score-sheet along with North Caledonian League goal machine James Murray and Chris Wann completing the rout.
Fixtures — tomorrow: Eain Mackintosh Cup final — Pentland United v Staxigoe United (Recreation Park, Halkirk 3pm.)
Monday (7.30) — Division 1 — Thurso Pentland v John O’Groats. Division 2 — Francis Street Club v Castletown, Keiss v Wick Thistle, Lybster v Watten.
Wednesday (7:30): Division 1 — Pentland United v Thurso Acks, Swifts v Halkirk, Wick Groats v Staxigoe United. Division 2 – High Ormlie Hotspurs v Top Joes.
