Invergordon take the points and Jock Mackay Cup in Easter Ross derby win over Alness United
North Caledonian League champions Invergordon kept the pressure on league leaders Halkirk United with a 3-1 home win over Easter Ross rivals Alness United this afternoon.
Adding to the local bragging rights, the club also retained the Jock Mackay Memorial Cup, which has been presented to the winner of the derby meeting between the sides since 2022.
In attendance to present the trophy to winning captain Cameron Mackintosh was Andrea Cole, daughter of long-serving North Caledonian League president and secretary Jock Mackay, joined by her daughter Nadine.
A large crowd at the Recreation Grounds had to wait just ten minutes for the opening goal, Invergordon’s Cameron Mackintosh finding the net after making a run to the back post.
It was honours even on 36 minutes though when Alness United were awarded a penalty. United midfielder Euan Henderson was the man who did the needful, beating William Godding from twelve yards.
But the second half belonged to Gary Campbell’s men, after they retook the lead ten minutes into the half with a goal from Ken Morrison.
There was to be no comeback second time around, and Mackintosh doubled his side’s advantage with his second on 67 minutes.
Post-match, both teams gathered outside of the Jock Mackay Pavilion where Ms Cole presented the trophy to the winners.
The win moves Invergordon closer to first placed Halkirk United, who were beaten by the odd goal in three on their home turf by Golspie Sutherland.
Steven Sutherland opened the scoring at Morrison Park on 21 minutes before Mark Munro levelled nine minutes into the second period.
The decider came from Ben Sinclair, netting against his former club to seal all three points for the Sutherland side.
Elsewhere, St Duthus made it three wins in a row with a 2-1 away win at Claggan Park.
An Adam Allan goal had the Saints a goal down after 25 minutes, but they fired back through Neil Moir five minutes before the break.
They completed the turnaround on 75 minutes with a goal from Scott MacDonald.
In a city derby, Clachnacuddin A could do nothing to prevent away side Inverness Athletic from continuing their winning run.
First half strikes from Bradi Hulme was all that was needed as the Inverness side extended their league points tally to 21, keeping up with Invergordon and Golspie in the top four.
In the other action of the day, Orkney beat Bonar Bridge 6-0 in Kirkwall, while Bunillidh Thistle recorded their first win of the season beating Thurso 2-0 at Helmsdale.
