Golspie maintain unbeaten record with action-packed win over Helmsdale
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Unbeaten Golspie Stafford strengthened their position at the top of North West Sutherland League 1 this past weekend with an action-packed win over rivals Helmsdale United.
A dull first half ended 0–0 before Martin Banks broke the deadlock for the visitors.
Helmsdale's lead was short-lived though, as Robbie Murray pounced on a mix-up in the United defence to head home.
Robbie Sutherland completed the turnaround shortly after to make it 2–1 but Golspie were dealt a blow moments later when Adam Sutherland was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
In the face of Helmsdale pressure, Golspie hit on the break to go 3–1 up after good work from James Fraser to set up Alexander Mackay for a finish into the bottom corner.
But another red card followed and despite their score advantage, Golspie found themselves down to nine men after Luke Macbeath was sent off for a rash challenge.
It looked as though United had found a way back into the game late in the half when referee Ivan Leslie pointed to the spot for a foul, but player-manager Colin Macrae's effort was saved by Gordy Budge.
The win for Golspie places them five points clear of Helmsdale and eight points clear of third placed Lochbroom.
In the other game of the day, Lochinver picked up their first win of the season with a 4–1 defeat of Lairg Rovers.
Goals from Dylan Morrison, Daniel Hutchison, Ally Macleod and Daniel Tebay secured victory for the Culag Park side, with Hutchison netting an own goal to deny them a clean sheet.
In League 2, Tain Thistle beat Invergordon Social Club 2–1, while Inver thrashed Melvich by 11 goals to nil.
North West Sutherland League fixtures for Saturday, June 17:
League 1
Lairg Rovers v Lochbroom
Helmsdale United v Lochinver
League 2
Tain Thistle v Inver
Melvich v Brora Wanderers
