Wick Groats edge past Castletown to set up showdown with Stabbies
Castletown made life difficult for an under-strength Wick Groats side in Saturday's Eain Mackintosh Cup semi-final at Back Park before the holders edged it 2-1.
Groats will face Pentland United in the final later this month after the Stabbies' comfortable victory over Staxigoe United in the other semi.
After a goalless first half, Sandy Sutherland put Groats in front and Jonah Martens doubled their lead before Jack McKechnie pulled one back for Castletown with a free kick from the edge of the box.
With their number of absentees running into double figures, Groats brought 15-year-old Joshua Hughes into their starting line-up and he was replaced by 14-year-old Sam Shearer with about 20 minutes to go.
"It was a really hard-fought win for us," Groats manager Kevin Anderson said.
"Castletown, as always, made life very hard. For the first 20 to 25 minutes we were second best, no doubt about it, but we slowly grew into the game.
"In the second half we were much better. Our second goal was well worked between Steven [Anderson] and Jonah, and by then I felt we were well in control of the game – at least until the assistant referee got involved.
"We felt there was a contentious decision to say the least in the build-up to the Castletown goal, resulting in a direct free kick on the edge of our box. Take nothing away from the strike from Jack McKechnie, though – what a finish into the top corner.
"It was a nervy end to the game then but we saw it out."
Anderson added: "We were in double figures for boys unavailable due to one thing or another.
"We had a couple of the older guys helping us out again but I'd like to make special mention of the two young lads that came along, Joshua and Sam. Both were superb in what was their first taste of senior football."
Castletown manager Tom McKenna said he was pleased with the way the second division leaders performed in Saturday's Eain Mackintosh Cup semi-final loss to Wick Groats, describing the game as a great advertisement for the north amateur scene.
Jack McKechnie's direct free kick ensured a nervy end for the cup holders and county champions as they held on to win 2-1 at Back Park.
"We ran them close but unfortunately not close enough," McKenna said.
"The game was a great advert for amateur football in the Highlands. It was open, competitive and technically compelling.
"The difference between the teams was that Groats were more clinical in front of goal.
"Wick Groats are a fantastic football team and to be able to step up and match them is testament to our players' quality and attitude. As much as I am disappointed with the result, I'm really pleased with the performance.
"The players definitely gave a good account of themselves and made Groats work hard for their victory."
The final takes place in Halkirk on Saturday, July 23.
Results – Eain Mackintosh Cup, semi-finals: Castletown 1, Wick Groats 2; Staxigoe United 1, Pentland United 4.
Fixtures – Monday – Steven Cup, quarter-final, first leg: Watten v Keiss (7.15pm).
Tuesday – Division One: John O'Groats v Wick Groats; Pentland United v Acks; Staxigoe United v High Ormlie Hotspur (7.30pm).
Wednesday – Division One: Wick Thistle v Lybster (7.30pm).
Thursday – Division Two: Castletown v Swifts; Keiss v Top Joe's; Pentland v Watten (7.30pm).
Saturday – Highland Amateur Cup, quarter-finals: Golspie Stafford v High Ormlie Hotspur; IRN Security v Wick Groats; Ness v Avoch; Stromness Athletic v Pentland United (kick-off times to be confirmed).