Holders Fortrose Union retain grip on league cup
FORTROSE Union kept a firm grip of the League Cup when they defeated first round opponents Dornoch City 3-2 at the Meadows last Saturday.
The holders were made to fight all the way for a place in the last four after a fighting finish from City.
Two goals in the first 12 minutes gave Fortrose a dream start.
Kieran Fitzpatrick opened the scoring following a goalmouth scramble in the sixth minute. Rhys Shewan made it 2-0 when he headed home a Jordan Knight cross.
Dornoch were back in the tie when Kieran Cunningham reduced the deficit early in the second half but Steven Kinnaird restored Fortrose’s two-goal lead in the 65th minute from close range. Dornoch’s Ayah Rattanaphithak pulled one back 10 minutes later to make for a tense finale.
Alness Athletic breezed through to the next round after a 7-2 victory over Contin at Dalmore Park.
Donald Sutherland led the way with a brace, while Ally Rose, Shaun Robertson, Keith Dingwall, Evan Murray and Steven Alexander chipped in with the rest.
Scott Milligan got both Contin’s goals.
Ross-shire Club went one better in an 8-1 win over Invergordon Social Club.
There were hat-tricks for Aaron Simpson and Russell Macintyre with Kegan Stewart and Jack Campbell were the other players on target.
In the other tie, a Terrence Brady hat-trick was the highlight as Balintore defeated Tain Thistle 4-2 at The Links.
James Metcalfe got Balintore’s other goal, while Martin Smith and Darran Goller replied for Thistle.
Fixtures – Saturday, May 3 – League Cup semifinals (Sponsored by Union Tavern, Fortrose) – 3pm – Fortrose Union v Balintore; Ross-shire Club v Alness Athletic. Wednesday, May 7 – 7.15pm – Balintore v Tain Thistle; Contin v Fortrose Union; Ross-shire Club v Alness Athletic; Invergordon Social Club v Dornoch City.
