Invergordon are this season’s winners of the Football Times Cup after Andrew Miller’s late double earned a 3-1 victory against St Duthus.
The Tain Saints, who are the North Caledonian Cup holders, going head-to-head against the current league champions was always going to be a keenly-contested derby at King George V Park, Golspie.
Well done to @InvergordonFC winning the Football Times cup 3-1 v @StDuthusFC at King George V Park in Golspie. Photos of Sandy Stephen presenting the cup to Jack Mackay #NCFA #NorthCaley #TFCup pic.twitter.com/fZLVztibcs
— North Caledonian FA (@NorthCaleyFA) November 12, 2022
The victors got off to the ideal start when – after just five minutes – Ken Morrison opened the scoring.
That was the only goal of the first half and St Duthus drew level seven minutes after the interval thanks to Bradi Hulme’s equaliser.
With the tie going to the wire, it was Miller’s time with goals on 85 and 88 minutes to finally get the better of Saints and replace Thurso as the holders of this silverware.
Well done lads 🏆@InvergordonFC
— Invergordon FC (@InvergordonFC) November 12, 2022
North Caledonian Football Association secretary Sandy Stephen presented the cup to Invergordon’s Jack Mackay, while Saints keeper William Godding was named man-of-the-match.
Man of the match was @StDuthusFC goalkeeper William Godding being presented by Sandy Stephen #NCFA #NorthCaley #TFCup pic.twitter.com/6oKbqMcn99
— North Caledonian FA (@NorthCaleyFA) November 12, 2022
Golspie stunned by rampant Alness
In the North Caledonian League, it was a great day for leaders Loch Ness – even although they didn’t kick a ball.
That’s because main chasers Golspie Sutherland suffered a 6-2 defeat at Alness United, who moved into fourth position.
Todays @NorthCaleyFA full time score. Thank you to Willie Stewart for sponsoring todays game pic.twitter.com/jeutWPtwaQ
— Alness United FC (@AlnessUnitedFC) November 12, 2022
Two goals in three first-half minutes from Alexander Mackay had the home team in control, but Owen Harrold’s reply just before the break made it 2-1.
Mikey Grimes for Alness then Miller Mackay got on the scoresheet before Michael Mckenzie and Ryan McFee pushed Alness 5-2 ahead and Jude Fraser rounded it off.
This outcome means Loch Ness maintain their five-point advantage over Golspie, with both having played 10 times.
MacLeod doubles up for Inverness
Two late Inverness Athletic goals turned what looked like a loss into a 2-1 victory against 10th-placed Thurso in North Kessock.
Robert McLean’s goal six minutes before the break put Thurso in front as they aimed to stay above a basement battle.
90’ | 🔴 IAFC 2-1 TFC ⚫️ | #InvAth #Thurso
FULL TIME
It was another late show for Athletic this afternoon as a double from Ryan MacLeod in the final 10 minutes was enough to get Stuart Ross’s men back to winning ways.Match Report to follow… pic.twitter.com/RaU7DGGjb8
— Inverness Athletic Football Club (@InvernessAthFC) November 12, 2022
Ryan MacLeod headed home two late goal to see brothers Stuart and Andrew Ross’s side return to winning ways after a 3-2 defeat to Halkirk United last week.
Thurso finished with 10 men when Jack Mackechnie was sent off in the final minute.
Halkirk’s Henderson bags a brace
Halkirk United are well-positioned in sixth spot following their 3-1 home victory against Orkney.
After a goalless first half, Kyle Henderson put the Anglers in front on 57 minutes.
Chris Hellewell equalised for Orkney just after the hour mark, but an Andrew Mackay spot-kick then another for Henderson secured three points.
Halkirk are now are level with Alness and Invergordon on 18 points, albeit having played one and four matches more respectively.
Orkney, who are ninth after 10 matches, are well away from title contention this year.
Full time result. Halkirk 3-1 Orkney. A brace from Kyle Henderson and a penalty from Andrew Mackay sees the anglers bag the 3 points 🔴⚫️
— Halkirk United FC (@HalkirkUnitedFC) November 12, 2022
Clach edge win; Bonar game stopped
Kai Reid’s 74th-minute goal earned a 1-0 win Clachnacuddin A against Nairn County, which pushes the 12th-placed Lilywhites to within one point of their beaten visitors with three games in hand.
1v0
Only goal from Kai Reid@NorthCaleyFA @MacandMac28 pic.twitter.com/s6lRLsHfby— Clach Reserves (@ClachReserves) November 12, 2022
The match between Bonar Bridge and Fort William had to be abandoned after 50 minutes due to a serious leg injury to a Bonar player. This fixture had been switched from Claggan Park to Migdale Park.
The pick of the matches on Saturday sees Inverness Athletic face Loch Ness at Fortrose.
NEXT NCFA FIXTURES. NORTH CALEDONIAN LEAGUE – 19.11.22
Alness Utd v Fort William
Bonar Bridge v St.Duthus
Orkney V Invergordon (12.45)
Loch Ness v Inverness Ath
Nairn County 'A' v Halkirk Utd
Thurso v Clach 'A'Kick offs are 1 p.m unless stated #NCFA #Northcaley pic.twitter.com/O9PXB7Nfwi
— North Caledonian FA (@NorthCaleyFA) November 12, 2022
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