We got out of jail, says Staxigoe boss
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HONOURS were even at Upper Bignold but Staxigoe United boss Andrew Banks admitted his side got out of jail.
They met Pentland United in the big CAFA Division One fixture this week but both came away with a point in a 1-1 draw.
Cameron Sutherland had given Staxigoe the lead in the first half only for Conor Cormack to level for Pentland on the stroke of half-time.
Making good use of the wind on their backs, Pentland laid siege to their hosts’ goal only to be kept at bay by Staxigoe keeper David Budge.
Banks said: “I think we were lucky to come out of that with a draw. We were not at our best.
“Pentland United wanted it more and I’d imagine they will be disappointed that they didn’t win.
“We did all right in the first half with Cameron putting us into the lead but, like last week, we switched off with half-time approaching and let them back into it.
“We did not play well in the second half and have our keeper to thank as he pulled off some great saves.”
Pentland’s Ross Sutherland was also disappointed – albeit for different reasons.
He said: “To be honest this one feels like two points lost rather than a point gained.
“We certainly had enough chances to win it in the second half but we couldn’t take them.
“The game was quite difficult for both sides in terms of the conditions.
“There was a strong wind which favoured them in the first half and us in the second.
“Also the pitch was quite lively. It was wet and soft in some areas and a bit bouncy in others – we were tempted to bring stepladders onto the pitch for some of the high bounces that we were getting.”
Wick Groats remain top of the table after making it three league wins out of three following a 3-0 win at Thurso Swifts. Jack Henry, Sandy Sutherland and Graham MacNab were on target for Groats and manager Kevin Anderson sounded an ominous warning for the rest of the league.
He said: “We played well and did what we had to do. However, I feel that we’re not quite at our best yet and if we click then hopefully we’ll put in some better performances.
“We’ve still to do that, but we’re getting the results we need in the league.
“It was also good to have Graham MacNab and Kyle Ross back.
“Some guys had a chance to claim a shirt in last week’s cup loss and didn’t take it. So having those two back helped – especially Graham with his goal. Give him a chance and nine times out of 10 he’ll take it.”
Elsewhere, John O’Groats got their first league win of the season with a 4-2 win at home to bottom side Halkirk. Mark Bremner, Eddie MacGregor, Gavin Shearer and Jimmy Budge netted for them while Halkirk’s strikes came via William Hughes and Rory McCartney.
Lybster moved off the foot of the table with a 1-1 draw at home to Thurso Acks. Paul Gordon struck for Lybster with Acks’ goal coming from Garry Macleod.
