Rovers close the gap on leaders

MUIR of Ord Rovers closed the gap on North Caledonian League leaders Thurso to four points after a 3-1 victory against Halkirk United at Pavilion Park.

Ewan Dance got Rovers off to a flier when he struck after just five minutes.

Grant MacNab equalised, but two goals from Scott Morrison and Tony Farquhar secured the points for the Tarradale side.

The goals were shared as Invergordon defeated Fort William 5-2 at the Recreation Grounds.

Robert MacAskill and Alan Stone scored either side of a Roddy MacKay counter to give Invergordon a 2-1 interval lead.

Robert Ross added a third for the home side on the hour mark, but Fort hit back through Ian MacLennan.

But two late goals from Scott Morrison and Ashley Mills earned Invergordon all six points in the first double-header of the season.

In the only other match to survive, Balintore eased to a 3-0 victory against Bonar Bridge at Seaboard Park.

The venue was switched and Baintore took full advantage of home advantage. Jamie Clark scored the only goal of the first half.

Graham Davis doubled the lead in the 55th minute and the same player made sure there was no way back for Bonar with a third goal five minutes from the end.

SATURDAY’S FIXTURES

JOCK MACKAY CUP — Quarter-finals: Thurso v Invergordon, Bonar Bridge v Balintore, Tain Thistle v Golspie Sutherland, Muir of Ord Rovers v Dingwall Thistle.

LEAGUE — Halkirk United v Fort William, at Alness.