Memorial cup success for Helmsdale United as they continue unbeaten start to league campaign
Helmsdale United secured a hard-earned 1–0 win over Sutherland rivals Brora Wanderers on Saturday to retain the George Cormack Memorial Trophy – as well as continuing their unbeaten start to the North West Sutherland Amateur League.
A solitary first-half goal from captain Ally MacRae proved enough to settle the affair at Couper Park, the home side preserving a clean sheet into the bargain.
The result ensured that the memorial cup – contested annually between the two east Sutherland sides – remained in Helmsdale’s possession for a second successive year.
Post-match, MacRae accepted the trophy on behalf of the winners, which was presented by Annie Cormack, sister of the late George Cormack.
Elsewhere, Golspie Stafford showed no mercy at home to Embo to leapfrog defending title holders Tain Thistle.
Robbie Murray and Alexander Mackay both netted hat-tricks in an eight-goal rout, with further goals added by Morgan Kennedy and Luke Macbeath.
With Tain idle this weekend, the result sees Stafford move two points clear at the top of the North-West Sutherland amateur table – albeit with a game in hand for the champions.
Fresh from their latest Highland Amateur Cup success, Inver saw off Melvich in a 3–0 win at home.
Recent addition Robbie Breen opened the scoring with a header from a Jordan Hailes corner, before Jack Corbett added a second with another well-taken nod.
Reece Wilson sealed the win in style, crashing home a 25-yard volley into the top corner.
The fixture between Lairg Rovers and Lochinver was postponed due to the unavailability of match officials.
This weekend, Tain and Golspie will meet at the Links, in the first pre-split top of the table meeting of the season.
Fixtures for this Saturday, June 14:
Embo v Helmsdale United (2pm)
Brora Wanderers v Inver (2pm)
Tain Thistle v Golspie Stafford (midday)
Melvich v Lairg Rovers (KO TBC)
