Five-star Stafford floor Lairg Rovers as west-coast derby ends all-square
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A five-star performance from Golspie Stafford sent them two points clear at the top of the North West Sutherland amateur league on Saturday.
Making it three wins from three, the Sutherland side accounted for Lairg Rovers by five goals to nil to claim an emphatic victory.
Goals from Shaun Urquhart and recently named North Caledonian League young player of the year Gary Pullen had Stafford two goals up at the break.
Lairg had no better answer to the home side in the second half, as Robbie Murray extended their advantage before Fergus Adams made it four. A second for Murray rounded the scoring off at 5–0 – and a clean sheet for Stafford goalkeeper Connor Ross.
On the west coast, Lochinver and Lochbroom had to settle for a point each after a close fought draw at Culag Park.
Both sides netted during an even first half. Sam Lucas was on target for the visitors before Lochinver levelled with a headed goal from Josh Sands, connecting with a Jake Lockett corner.
A memorable solo goal from Shaun Marshall, firing home after dribbling the ball from his own half, restored the Ullapool side's lead – but the hosts did not lay down, and they equalised following a goalmouth stramash through Christopher Campbell.
After three games played in League 1, Golspie Stafford now sit on nine points, two ahead of Helmsdale United who were enjoying a free weekend.
Lochbroom trail on four points, followed by Lochinver and Lairg on one each.
In League 2, Melvich followed up their first win in three years with a calamitous 14–1 defeat at the hands of division pace-setters, Invergordon Social Club.
In the other match of the day, Brora Wanderers fell short, losing by a solitary goal at Inver.
After four games, the Easter Ross sides are the teams in the hunt for promotion, with Invergordon in first place, two points ahead of both Tain Thistle and Inver. Brora and Melvich sit on three points apiece.
