North-west amateurs welcome three new teams as league splits in two
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The return of three amateur teams from Easter Ross and Sutherland has resulted in the creation of a two-tiered league system for this year's North West Sutherland amateur football league.
A total of ten amateur sides registered for this year's competitions – two more than last year – and with an eye on a timely finish, the league have opted for a return to two divisions, a system last used in 2019.
Reigning league champions Helmsdale United will be joined by last year's top-six placed clubs Golspie, Lairg, Lochbroom and Lochinver in the top tier, while Dornoch City, who finished fourth, have opted to take a year out.
Bottom placed sides Inver and Melvich will be joined by three 'returnees' in the second tier.
Among the new members are 2019 champions, Tain Thistle, who confirmed their participation at the weekend after a last-minute appointment of a new manager.
The Easter Ross side are joined by fellow returnees, Brora Wanderers and Invergordon Social Club.
Wanderers, who have been playing friendlies and training throughout 2022 and the early part of the new year, make their return following a three-year hiatus, while Social Club have rejoined the North West Sutherland having played as members of the Inverness & District leagues last year.
Teams will play each other twice in the divisional format, with promotion and relegation in place.
Games are expected to kick off on Saturday April 22, with fixures played on Saturdays and occasional midweek dates.
It is anticipated that the teams will also compete for the Stafford Cup at some point during the summer season.
League chairman Ally Macleod said: “We are pleased to welcome Brora Wanderers, Invergordon Social Club and Tain Thistle back into the league for the first time since 2019.
"We felt the time was right to split the league into two divisions given the wide geography it covers and the shorter summer season available to us.
"With a two-division set-up involving promotion and relegation, the Stafford Cup and the return of the Portland Bowl, there should be plenty to play for all clubs over the course of the season.”
The divisions have been formed as below:
Division One
Golspie Stafford
Helmsdale United
Lairg Rovers
Lochbroom
Lochinver
Division Two
Brora Wanderers
Inver
Invergordon Social Club
Melvich
Tain Thistle
