The going was very tough for players because of the drizzle throughout the afternoon, and a pitch with standing water in places, soft and muddy elsewhere.

It was obvious from the off that a result was going to be the most important thing for the Badenoch side and a goalfest was hardly likely.

Newtonmore started strongly, but Lochaber had plenty to play for too, needing just a single point to make their place in the Premier League an absolute certainty next season.

Their young and enthusiastic players were certainly up for it, while evergreen veteran Angus Morrison in goal could be counted on to keep all but the best of shots out.

Early exchanges were even. In the seventh minute Evan Menzies was unlucky for Newtonmore with a well struck shot that scraped wide of the far post.

Lochaber were giving as good as they got, though their final efforts were wide of the mark. At the other end, Morrison pulled off solid saves from on target shots with increasing regularity.

Danny MacRae and David Cheyne were causing mayhem, but Morrison continued to stand firm.

Half way through the first period, Lochaber's Daniel Delaney was struck on the head by a ball at full tilt. After extensive treatment, he left the field, bound for a check up.

Newtonmore took the lead in the 40th minute when, from a shy, the ball came to Stephen MacDonald and his neat pass came to Danny MacRae in acres of space in front of goal.

Lochaber's James MacRae nudges Newtonmore's Davie Cheyne in the back.

With plenty of time, MacRae picked his spot and fired past the keeper to give the Blue and Whites the lead.

The half had been dominated by the visitors and they had 13 efforts on goal, but only the most slender of leads to show for their enterprise.

Into the second half, and Newtonmore continued to press. However, fewer shots ended up on target as they became increasingly desperate to close the goal difference margin with Kingussie and it began to take its toll.

Mid way through the period, John Mackenzie came on for Evan Menzies, but there was to be no late flurry of scoring as Morrison stood his ground.

Newtonmore have now played the same number of games as Kingussie - each have one left - tentatively scheduled for this weekend - but the Dell side have a four goal better goal difference.

Kingussie's game was called off because of a bereavement in the Kyles' camp.

If both games go ahead at the weekend at their planned venues the mobile phone network is sure to be red hot as rival sets of fans check on progress.

No doubt the Camanachd Association's top brass will be waiting anxiously somewhere between both venues for a last minute charge in one direction or the other with the trophy.

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