Fort William and Kyles were a point adrift and Newtonmore were fifth, two points behind the leaders. By the final whistle at Drumnadrochit, Glenurquhart were soundly beaten by Newtonmore who had joined the Glen and Kings on 16 points.

As the game started, it did not look promising for the visitors as Glenurquhart were faster to the ball and looked distinctly threatening.

Lewis MacLennan proved the point in the 10th minute with a speculative lob from the left wing into the swirling crosswind and the ball eluded Michael Ritchie in the 'More goal for the opener.

Stunned into action, the Blue and Whites gradually established a greater share of possession and in the 18th minute Glen MacKintosh levelled the tie from close range.

Three minutes later, a Paul MacArthur ground shot from 15 yards out was drilled past the home keeper tight to his left post to give the visitors the lead.

Glenurquhart were still in the game, but Newtonmore's control of the midfield was growing ever stronger.

And in the 42nd minute, after a Glenurquhart attack had been snuffed out, the ball came quickly upfield to Danny MacRae.

He passed to MacKintosh in acres of space with ample time to slot home from five yards leaving the keeper with no chance.

With Newtonmore leading 3-1 at the turn, thoughts were beginning to turn to the six clear goals that were needed to leave them with a goal difference advantage over their neighbours.

Newtonmore's Danny MacRae fights his way through the Glenurquhart defence.

All the early play came from Newtonmore with several chances going close.

Glen mounted a strong attack in the 59th minute with the final shot rebounding off the post to a grateful 'More defence.

Two minutes later, Evan Menzies picked up the ball 15 yards out square in front of goal and his rocket shot hit the target to extend the margin.

By now Newtonmore were piling on the pressure and a flowing move involving Menzies on the left wing to Paul MacArthur led to a deep cross from the left that flashed fractionally ahead of MacKintosh, closing in fast in front of goal.

Shots continued to rain in, and in the 73rd minute from a corner the ball came to MacKintosh close in to drill home and complete his hat-trick.

Newtonmore continued to press for the extra couple of goals and the Glen keeper was hard pressed to keep the eager forwards out, pulling off several good stops.

The final whistle went with Newtonmore happy to have collected the points from a 5-1 win, but slightly disappointed to have finished the game just one goal behind the Kings at the top.

'More are now scheduled to take on Fort William at An Aird this weekend in another crunch match. With Kingussie involved in the Macaulay Cup Final, they have an opportunity to establish clear water at the top.

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