Lochinver stun the champions as Brora run riot at Melvich
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Helmsdale United's chances of defending their North West Sutherland league title were dealt a severe blow at home to Lochinver on Saturday.
Suffering a 3–0 defeat at the hands of the north-west side, United remain five points behind leaders Golspie Stafford, having now played one more game than their east coast rivals.
Lochinver took the lead in the first couple minutes of the game through Christopher Campbell and took the 1–0 advantage into the interval.
United had no time to respond before Lochinver made it 2–0 through Jake Lockett, who ran on to the ball and slipped it past Cameron Yuill.
Lockett doubled his tally soon after, finding the top corner from close range after some neat interplay between Josh Sands, Campbell and Ally Macleod.
With the win, Lochinver propel themselves into league contention, on the same points tally (seven) as second placed Helmsdale and Lairg Rovers.
At Ferrycroft Park, the local Rovers were too strong for their Lochbroom visitors, running out 5–2 winners.
A penalty kick in each half helped the Sutherland side on their way to an impressive victory, with Adam Mackay taking the plaudits with a brace. Callum Gow, Jordan Laidlaw and Taylor Sutherland were also on the scoresheet.
Louis Sears and Ben Bruce netted for the away side.
In League 2, a second half barrage from Brora Wanderers saw them overcome hosts Melvich in what turned out to be a one-sided affair.
Charlie Dunbar opened the scoring for the visitors on 18 minutes when he fired home at the far post on the end of a corner kick.
It was to be the only goal of the first half, but Wanderers made up for it in the second period, netting in the first few minutes through James Griffiths.
Brora went 3–0 up when Robert Fischer forced the ball home from a corner, and just a minute later Jake Bell made it four.
Bell wasted no time in extended his side's lead further with a second goal to his name, and before time was called he notched his hat-trick, compounding Melvich to a six goal defeat.
North West Sutherland League fixtures for Saturday, June 24:
League 1
Lochbroom v Helmsdale United (2pm)
League 2
Brora Wanderers v Tain Thistle
Stafford Cup Quarter Final
Lochinver v Invergordon Social Club
