Alan Murray plays down talk of title contention after ‘relentless’ Melvich net a dozen in league opener
Melvich have emerged as the early pace setters in the North West Sutherland amateur league after putting a dozen goals on the board in their opening game.
But manager Alan Murray is keen to play down any talk of his side being title contenders.
“I wouldn’t say we will be challenging, as there is a lot of good teams in this league,” he said.
“Hopefully we can progress and put more wins and points on the board to push us further up the league than the last few years.
“If we can achieve a top half finish at the split, it would be great.”
Murray’s side showed absolutely no mercy in their 12–2 triumph over Embo — despite a level start to the game.
“It was a very good result,” he added. “The game started pretty evenly, but once we scored the boys were relentless and never stopped going.
“Even when we made subs they never stopped and a couple of them got on the scoresheet.”
Prior to the game, the north Sutherland side unveiled their new club badge and kits, sponsored by local proprietors Paul Barrett and Flora Mackay of West End Stores.
A special note of thanks was also extended to long time club treasurer Shirley Mackay with the gift of a hamper from team manager Alan Murray, recognizing her 40 years of dedicated service.
James Murray and Kieran MacGregor each secured hat-tricks during the rout, with Harvey Labor also chipping in with a brace.
Goals from Robbie Boyd, Lucas Reid, Lewis Mackay, and James Mackintosh rounded off the scoring with Embo's David Bell and Ross McDermid managing to find the net in reply.
Champions Tain Thistle commenced their title defence with a 6–2 win against Brora Wanderers.
Six different players scored for Tain, among them Adrian Voigt, Josh Lohse, John Maclellan, Kaelan Hartnett, Billy Knox and Finn As-Chainey, who scored from the penalty spot.
Brora's Tony Miller responded with two goals, narrowing the gap before halftime.
Inver delivered a commanding 7–1 victory over Lairg Rovers to move into second spot.
A penalty kick scored by Jordan Hailes and a double from striker Harris Mackenzie, netting against his former club, sent Inver on their way, before Jack Traynor, Jack Corbett, Aiden Stainke and Jayden Loughlin wrapped up a comfortable outing.
Aaron Grant scored the only goal for Lairg.
At Culag Park, Golspie Stafford secured a 4–2 away victory over Lochinver.
Despite an early own goal setback, Stafford rallied with goals from Morgan Kennedy and a brace by Alexander Mackay.
Shaun Urquhart added a fourth, ensuring the win even after a late own goal.
The match between Dornoch City and Helmsdale United was called off due to Dornoch's inability to field a team, resulting in a 3–0 win awarded to Helmsdale.
