‘We couldn’t have asked for any more’: Pentland United go through to Highland Amateur Cup final
Pentland United co-manager Michael Gray said he was delighted for the supporters and behind-the-scenes volunteers after the Dunnet club booked their place in another Highland Amateur Cup final.
The Stabbies have an unrivalled record in the tournament and will be aiming to lift the trophy for the ninth time when they take on the 2023 winners, Avoch, at Wick’s Harmsworth Park on Saturday, August 17.
Second-half goals by James McLean and Sean Campbell gave them a 2-0 victory over Stornoway Athletic, the Lewis and Harris league leaders, in the first instalment of Saturday’s Highland Amateur Cup semi-final double bill at Culbokie.
Gray had been looking for a reaction after United were beaten 2-1 at home by Staxigoe United in the last four of the David Allan Shield in midweek, and the players duly obliged.
“We certainly were looking for a response from the disappointment of Tuesday night’s defeat and I think we got that in the form of a very disciplined defensive display and a much sharper offensive look throughout,” Gray said.
“We grew into the game nicely and created the better chances of a pretty even first half.
“The second half started very positively and we took the lead from a towering James McLean header from a Sean Campbell corner. We then seemed to lose our momentum for a 10-minute period before regrouping and regaining the initiative.
“Sean Campbell doubled the advantage, latching onto a loose ball after a collision on the edge of the box saw the ball break free.
“I thought that, even when Stornoway started to gamble, we retained a really good defensive shape and kept them at arm’s length.
“Overall I was delighted with the display, with really standout performances from Grant Steven and Sean Campbell who both overcame injury issues. But from Owen Gordon in goal to Michael Petrie and Allan Munro, the last substitutes to enter the field of play, we couldn’t have asked for any more.
“It was a very good game and Stornoway Athletic are clearly a very good side with some excellent young players, along with an experienced core, so to get through is a great credit to the side.
“I’m delighted for the supporters from near and far who follow the club and are a huge source of encouragement for the players.
“I’m also pleased for the committee, who give up their time to run the club often do a lot of work that goes unseen, but without them these days just wouldn’t happen. I am not going to mention them by name but they know who they are.”
United have a crucial top-of-the-table clash with Wick Groats at the Upper Bignold Park on Tuesday night. A draw would be enough to take the Caithness AFA title back to Ham Park.
“We will have a couple of weeks to set aside the Highland Amateur Cup and turn our attention to the league now, starting with a huge game on Tuesday versus Wick Groats which will be as big a test as we will face all season – so there is no time for resting on our laurels,” Gray said.
“Avoch have a fantastic record in the competition and are the holders. They recently secured the Inverness and District FA Premier Division title, so their pedigree is there for all to see.
“We watched the first half of the other semi-final against High Ormlie Hotspur and it was an entertaining game. Avoch have a good blend of experience and youth, they look very busy in midfield and especially dangerous from set-plays, and they have excellent movement up top.
“But we are delighted to be in the final again and we will embrace it with everything we have, that’s for sure.”
Results – CAFA Division Two: Pentland 1, Halkirk 4.
Highland Amateur Cup, semi-finals: High Ormlie Hotspur 2, Avoch 3; Stornoway Athletic 0, Pentland United 2.
Steven Cup final: Acks 4, Keiss 3 (after extra time).
Fixtures – Tuesday, August 6 – Division One: High Ormlie Hotspur v Staxigoe United; John O’Groats v Lybster; Wick Groats v Pentland United. Division Two: Halkirk v Acks (all 7pm).
Wednesday, August 7 – Division One: Wick Thistle v Castletown (7pm).
Thursday, August 8 – Division Two: Halkirk v Pentland; Swifts v Keiss; Top Joe’s v Watten (all 7pm).
Saturday, August 10 – David Allan Shield final: Staxigoe United v Wick Groats (3pm, Dammies).