Strathspey and Badenoch Herald
31 July, 2010
RSS
By Dave Fallows
Published:  26 August, 2009

NEWTONMORE travelled to An Aird to take on Fort William in the Premier League on Saturday, and came home top of the league with the satisfaction of a comprehensive demolition job well done.

advertising

The Blue and Whites started as they meant to continue on a pitch which looked good and green, but was completely sodden under the surface.

'More were straight on the attack, forcing a good save from Scott McNeil in the second minute and hitting the side-netting a minute later.

Attacks continued to come virtually at minute intervals, with Steven MacDonald creating all sorts of mayhem on the left wing with pacey running from the centre line.

As the half progressed, Fort William were resorting more and more to fouls to keep the eager visitors' attack at bay with both Adam and Neil Robertson particularly guilty of blind side holding to prevent Danny MacRae from getting a clear shot at goal.

The relentless pressure continued and McNeil pulled off a fine stick save on the half-hour from a Steven MacDonald rocket from 35 yards.

Three minutes later, Fort William mounted only their second attack of the game which was easily dealt with by the 'More defence.

And so half-time came with the score still at 0-0, though the Newtonmore support knew that by now the game should have been firmly in the bag.

In the second period, the home side now had the advantage of the breeze and although they were first to attack, 'More quickly resumed normal service.

Newtonmore's Scott Chisholm (front) blocks Fort William defender Duncan Rodger's swing.

McNeil pulled out another good save in the 52nd minute but then he had to chase the rebound. The ball went first to Glen MacKintosh, then to Danny MacRae tight by the byline on the edge of the D, and he lashed home from what looked like an impossible angle.

Fort were by now having a little more of the game but 'More were still on top an in the 68th minute, Danny MacRae turned Fort defender John MacLeod and lashed a shot from 15 yards high into the roof of the net.

Fort's defence was still resorting to holding to keep the 'More forwards at bay.

Referee Charles Young did suggest to Adam Robertson that he had had his last chance, nevertheless, nobody went in the book as generosity was the order of the day.

With five minutes left, a free hit wide on the right fell to Jamie Robinson who fired home from distance to give Newtonmore a well deserved 3-0 win.

With Kingussie in Macaulay Cup action, Newtonmore went two points clear at the top and also have a two-goal goal difference advantage over their neighbours in second place.

Fort drop to fifth place after the defeat and their hopes of a league championship have now gone.



highlands
  • AHR
  • gifts
  • hotels
  • Horoscopes
  • Photos
  • 100 Years
  • tourism
THE BIG VOTE

Are you in favour of Strathspey Thistle’s plans for the Black Park?

  • Yes
  • No
All content copyright 2008 Scottish Provincial Press Ltd.