In the Premier Division Fort William went down two nil to Newtonmore at An Aird however the manor and performance of the loss was a significant improvement and shows signs of great promise considering the youthful set up of the team.
With six under 21’s in the starting line up, four under 17’s in the starting line up and two under 14’s on the bench Fort did have their chances. With the experienced Newtonmore line up, having only two changes from the cup winning team last week including the formidable forward line of Danny Macrae, Glen Macintosh, and Fraser Macintosh. Fort William’s defence fronted up well and only had two breaches in the defence on the 22nd and 63rd minute from Fraser Macintosh and Danny Macrae respectively. Fraser Macintosh took his goal extremely well from 35 metres out, as he stole a bit of space and released the strike with pace into the top left hand corner. Danny Macrae finished from a good pass to him on the edge of the box clinically finishing with a powerful shot which Paul Mackay could do nothing with.
Across the centre line Fort Wiilliam had Alexander Macmillian Jack Fraser and Calum Shepard, against the cetnreline that won the Camanachd Cup. Jack controlled the centre line with Alexander having a fantastic game against Paul Macarthur, with penetrating runs into the forward line. Calums simplistic but very effective shinty was working well with Arran MacPhee behind him at wing back.
The game began with Fort William settling quickly in defence, something they had struggled to do against Newtonmore in recent games. The experience of Duncan Rodgers at full back and Niall Macphee at half back was complemented by the reliable Jamie Cruickshank and Arran MacPhee slotting in at wing back.
With Newtonmores defence being too hard to breakdown Fort William struggled to get back on level terms with any ball penetrating the half back line being sweeped up by the ever reliable Norman Campbell. Michael Ritchie in goals did have some work today, most notable when some great Fort William passing from Alexander Macmillian put the ball through onto the Newtonmore D and Jay Macleod only inches away from completing the move. Gregor Cameron a Fort William under 14 player came onto the pitch to front up against Paul Macarthur. Gregor as Alexander did previous to him held his own and won his fair share of the ball in a good tussle. Gregor and Alexander have a fantastic future in Fort William colours.
The task in hand is still mathematically possible for Fort William to stay up. They need to beat Lovat next week and hope Kyles lose all remaining fixtures. There must be a 32 goal difference swing in proceedings as well so we will not throw in the towel but we have a mountain to climb to stay in the Premier League.
Congratulations must go to Newtonmore, a well deserved premier league win.
Fort William Lines Up:
Paul Mackay (Captain), Duncan Rodgers, Niall MacPhee, Arran MacPhee, Jamie Cruickshank, Calum Shepard, Jack Fraser, Alexander Macmillian, Calum Shepard, Gordy Mackinnon, Lewis Morrison, Daniel Stewart, Ewwen Campbell.
Substitues:
Jay Maclaod, & Robbie Hall, Gregor Cameron