Late penalty sends Golspie five clear after win over Tain as Helmsdale and Inver also remain unbeaten
The race for the North West Sutherland Amateur League title took a dramatic turn on Saturday as Golspie Stafford claimed a vital 2-1 away win against defending champions Tain Thistle.
Keegan Campbell’s men got off to the perfect start at the Links, taking the lead inside two minutes through Alexander Mackay.
But Tain responded well, levelling the scores when Finn As-Chainey curled a shot into the bottom corner shortly after the half hour mark.
Their efforts were undone late on, though, when defender Adam Allan was penalised for handling on the line, denying a certain goal for Golspie.
The resulting penalty was dispatched by Louis Macpherson into the top corner, ensuring Golspie all three points to maintain their perfect league record.
Helmsdale United sit second after a resounding 6-0 win away at Embo, a game not short on talking points.
The visitors showed their experience and physical edge throughout a dominant first half, with braces from brothers Kevin and Billy Cairns, and a wonder strike from debutant Euan Macleod putting them 5-0 up by the interval.
Embo came out more aggressive after the break and enjoyed a better spell until a rash challenge saw them reduced to ten men.
A wind-assisted late strike from Alfie Mackay sealed a comfortable win for Helmsdale, who remain unbeaten after four games.
Inver made it three wins from three with an emphatic 6-2 victory at Brora Wanderers.
Alex Mackenzie bagged a hat-trick for the Ospreys, including a penalty after being handed the ball by regular taker Jordan Hailes.
Johnie Beattie also struck twice and Jack Traynor added another, volleying in from a Hailes free kick.
Brora kept the game competitive through two goals from John Hooker, but couldn’t keep pace with Inver’s attacking threat.
The weekend’s results leave Golspie Stafford top with 15 points, three clear of Helmsdale United (10 pts), who have a game in hand.
Inver sit third on nine points from three games, with Tain Thistle also on nine but having played two games more.
Melvich round out the top five.
Tonight:
Inver v Embo (7.15pm)
Fixtures for Saturday, June 21:
Lairg Rovers v Brora Wanderers
Helmsdale United v Golspie Stafford
Lochinver v Tain Thistle
