Stafford Cup semi-final wins for Helmsdale United and Golspie Stafford set scene for all-east Sutherland cup final
The stage has been set for an all-east Sutherland showdown in this year’s Stafford Cup Final, thanks to wins for Helmsdale United and cup holders Golspie Stafford on Saturday.
A late comeback saw Helmsdale humble hosts Lochbroom by the odd goal in five, while Golspie Stafford took care of west coast hopefuls Lochinver by a similar score at home.
After a goalless first half at Ullapool High School, Lochbroom player-manager Ben Bruce broke the deadlock with a well struck free kick.
But Helmsdale soon drew level when Jack Wardrop fired past William Godding with a deflected shot on the counter attack.
The Lochbroom goalkeeper had earlier kept Helmsdale at bay with several important saves.
The home side regained the lead with 20 minutes remaining after a ball over the top from Bruce found Toby Stewart, who took on two defenders and calmly finished for 2-1.
A grandstand finish would see Helmsdale snatch victory in the last six minutes of the match, beginning with Austin Keith cutting in from the left to finish low into the far bottom corner to make it 2-2.
United kept up the pressure and, with just two minutes remaining, Cameron Neville sent the ball home after getting on the end of a cross into the box.
In the other semi-final, cup holders Golspie Stafford secured their place in the final with a hard-fought and well-deserved 3-2 victory over Lochinver.
The breakthrough came when Ryan Dryburgh drove through from defence before being brought down in the box, and Louis Macpherson converted the resulting penalty.
Golspie's second goal was described by onlookers as “spectacular”, as Mark Mackenzie surged down the right and unleashed a 40-yard strike into the top corner.
Just before half-time, Louis Macpherson curled a pass with the outside of his boot to set up Cameron Sutherland at the back post for the third.
Lochinver mounted a late push and scored twice through Shaun Marshall and Gary Fisher, but Golspie held firm to book their spot in the cup final.
Both winners now await word of when the cup final will be played, with North West Sutherland AFA officials still to finalise a date.
