Late strike earns cup victory for Stafford
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GOLSPIE Stafford are safely through to the last eight of the MacLeod IFA Highland Amateur Cup but it took a dramatic late winner from Shane Sutherland to earn them a 6-5 victory over Sleat and Strath at Kyleakin last Saturday.
In an action-packed tie, Iain Innes gave Stafford the lead after just five minutes when he scored directly with an in-swinging corner.
Two goals in five minutes saw the home side take the lead but Innes struck again on the half-hour when he fired a free kick high into the net to make it 2-2.
Stafford regained the lead seven minutes from the break when Aaron Smith tucked the ball away after being left one-on-one with the home keeper.
Smith and Shane Sutherland combined to set up Paul MacLaren for his third goal in as many games early in the second PERIOD.
But a defensive lapse allowed the home side to reduce the leeway before Liam Sutherland made it 5-3 with a spectacular scissors kick.
The tie looked as good as won but two goals in four hectic minutes saw the home side draw level.
It took a breakaway move by Stafford in the 88th minute to clinch the tie. Liam Sutherland sent Shane Sutherland clear on goal and the flying winger made no mistake with a cool finish.
Stafford now meet western isles outfit Back in the semi-finals on July 2. The tie will be played at a neutral venue.
Elsewhere in the third round, there were wins for Avoch, Culbokie, Carloway, Kirkwall Rovers, Pentland United and Wick Groats.
? IN the Sutherland league, Helmsdale United closed the gap at the top to two points with a 5-2 victory over Dornoch City last Saturday.
Greig Shearer gave United the edge in the 20th minute when he cut in to score from 15 yards. Further goals from Duncan Davidson and Paul Gordon put United in a commanding position at the break.
Cameron Hook reduced the deficit on the hour, but Gordon restored United’s three-goal lead from the penalty spot in the 75th minute.
David Cowie wrapped up the points with a delicate chip late on.
Brora Wanderers secured their first league win of the campaign with a 3-1 home victory over Lairg Rovers.
Jamie Morrison gave Rovers an early lead but it was downhill after that for the visitors.
Callum Stewart levelled before a Scott Miller penalty gave Wanderers the lead.
Scott Smith clinched victory with his first goal for the club in four seasons.
? ON Tuesday night, Golspie Stafford reached the final of the Paul Cup after a 4-2 away victory over Brora Wanderers.
Scott Miller put Wanderers in front on the half-hour but Shane Sutherland equalised five minutes from the interval.
Miller restored Wanderers’ lead in the 50th minute with a scrambled effort. But back came Stafford and Leon Urquhart slammed home the leveller 10 minutes later following an assist from substitute Ian Sutherland, who received a late call-up.
The veteran scored himself in the 70th minute to give Stafford the lead and fellow sub Jamie Innes scored with his first touch to round things off.
In the Couper Cup semi-final, Embo defeated Dornoch City 4-1. Dylan Murray was City’s lone marksman.
Fixture: Saturday, June 25 – Paul Cup Final (at Lairg, 3pm): Dornoch City v Golspie Stafford. League (3pm) – Brora Wanderers v Helmsdale United. Wednesday, June 29 (7.30pm) – Helmsdale United v Golspie Stafford.
