Tain Thistle boss Alex McDonald hails side’s ‘togetherness’ after two wins in five days
Tain Thistle manager Alex McDonald praised the “togetherness” of his squad as they kept their North West Sutherland Amateur League title hopes alive with vital back-to-back wins in the past week.
The Jags’ latest result, a 4-3 home victory over Helmsdale United last night, comes just five days after a 4-2 win away to Lochinver on Saturday.
Late goal keeps Golspie’s perfect league start alive at Brora
Thistle now sit second in the table on 15 points, behind Golspie who still possess a 100 per cent record at the top.
Reflecting on a gruelling five days for his squad, Tain manager Alex McDonald lauded the depth and determination of his outfit.
“It’s easy for heads to go down after a defeat against your main league competitors and especially with an away trip to Lochinver after it – it’s always going to be a hard ask to bounce back,” he said.
“The message was clear in the group chat: we need to all come together and work hard to retain this league title.
“Both Saturday and Wednesday were extremely difficult. Availability was tough with Highland Amateur Cup games, but it’s the togetherness of the squad that brought us over the line.
“From a 15-year-old coming on to play 65 minutes to a 52-year-old playing two 90 minutes games in five days, everyone played their part and I’m proud of the boys for that.”
On Wednesday night, Thistle started brightly through Finn As-Chainey who was fed through by Jamie Skinner, but were soon pegged back as Helmsdale responded with goals from Kevin Cairns and Euan Macleod.
Josh Lohse equalised just before the interval, before John Maclellan netted with a well-struck volley to edge the hosts ahead.
Cairns grabbed his second to make it 3–3, but As-Chainey had the final say, rounding the Helmsdale keeper to net the winner.
The Jags started the week on the west coast as they came from behind twice to see off Lochinver.
Jake Lockett scored either side of the break for the home side, but Thistle responded through Cammy Mackintosh, Callum Murray and Maclellan, before Robbie Allan added a late penalty.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Golspie Stafford continued their perfect run thus far with a 2–1 win away to Helmsdale United.
Alexander Mackay opened the scoring with a composed finish before Cameron Sutherland doubled their lead midway through the second half.
Stafford’s Luke Macbeath saw red shortly after, and although Billy Cairns pulled one back with a late effort, the visitors held on to make it six wins from six and extend their lead at the top.
The game was also played in memory of Helmsdale woman Megan Whitehead, as has become tradition in the village.
Lairg Rovers picked up their second win of the campaign with a 4-1 home result over Brora Wanderers at Ferrycroft.
Bruin Gunn, making his debut for Rovers, opened the scoring before Brora levelled through Charlie Dunbar.
Aaron Grant restored the lead just before half time and further goals from Archie Ryder and a Sam Munro penalty gave Lairg a comfortable victory.
Inver played their Saturday fixture last Wednesday, June 18, beating Embo 3-0 at home.
Fixtures for Saturday, June 28 are as follows:
Golspie Stafford v Inver (3pm)
Embo v Lairg Rovers (3pm)
Melvich v Lochinver
