Inver and Lochbroom to meet in double-header to decide North West Sutherland cup fate
Ross-shire sides Lochbroom and Inver face the prospect of double-jeopardy next week, as they go head-to-head in a match that will decide their fate in both of the North-West Sutherland AFA's cup competitions.
The Ullapool side progressed to the last four of the Mackay Cup with a 3–1 win away to Tain Thistle on Saturday, July 29. The win sets up a semi-final meeting with Inver, who they are also drawn to meet in the quarter final of the Stafford Cup.
Both teams will now concede home advantage on Wednesday, August 9 in a winner-takes-all cup tie to be played at the Highland Football Academy in Dingwall.
The west coasters enjoyed a taste of silverware last weekend when they ousted Tain Thistle from the Mackay Cup, also collecting the resurrected Kenny 'Raigie' trophy, which the teams agreed to contest in the fixture.
RELATED: Memorial match to celebrate Ullapool football stalwart Kenny Raigie resurrected by Tain grandson
The Jags had drafted in former Ross County, Brora Rangers and Elgin City striker Steven Ross for the tie, and on the back of their recent League 2 title win, they were the form side going into the game.
But two quick-fire goals from Lochbroom player-manager Ben Bruce rocked the hosts early in the first half.
Man of the match William Godding was in formidable form in goal for the Ullapool men, preventing Tain from notching anything in reply until the second half, when Stefan MacRitchie halved the deficit.
In the end, MacRitchie's goal was all Tain could muster, as Lochbroom went on to extend their advantage through young midfielder Kaden Irvine.
Lochbroom manager Bruce said: "I was delighted with the result against a good Tain side, especially as they had just won the second division in recent weeks. Our league form hasn't been great this year, which has been disappointing, but we are hoping to finish our season off in a positive manner.
"Our last few performances have been much better and we are hoping that will carry on through to this double header against Inver on Wednesday. Inver are much improved this year as you can see from their performance in the Highland Amateur Cup, and throughout their League 2 campaign, so we will have to put in another strong performance if we are to have any chance of progressing."
Fixtures for the coming week:
Tuesday August 8 – Lairg Rovers v Golspie Stafford (Mackay Cup semi final/league match)
Wednesday August 9 – Inver v Lochbroom (Mackay Cup semi final/Stafford Cup quarter final) - to be played at the HFA, Dingwall
Thursday August 10 – Tain Thistle v Lairg Rovers (Stafford Cup quarter final)
TBC – Melvich v Brora Wanderers (Stafford Cup quarter final)