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31 July, 2010
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By Dave Fallows
Published: 25 November, 2009
THE fate of this season's Premier League title race will now depend on how Kingussie fare against Kyles Athletic - in a game expected to be played early next month.
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Newtonmore completed their fixtures for the season on Saturday with a 5-3 win over Inveraray at Kiltarlity. However, Kyles refused to travel to Beauly to play their home tie against Kingussie, meaning that the outcome of the title race was still up in the air following the Blue and Whites' win. Newtonmore now lead the Premier Division by two points, but second placed Kingussie has a superior two goal difference. For the first time ever, the league race will run in to December before the title is decided. Kingussie asked months ago for a free weekend this Saturday as James MacLean is getting married and several players are guests at the wedding in Perthshire. The ill-fated Kyles Athletic v Kingussie game will not now be played before December 5 at the earliest. For Newtonmore to claim their first title in 27 years, the Tighnabruaich outfit will need to record a third victory over the Kings this season. Kingussie simply need a win to defend their title. Kyles Athletic were docked two points for refusing to travel to Beauly to play Kingussie. They have been scheduled a home game with Bute this weekend, which will probably be played at Dunoon, as the Tighnabruiach pitch is still in poor shape.
Inveraray seemed to have aided Kingussie's ambition on Saturday when they were level on 3-3 at half-time. Danny MacRae's early opener was equalised for Inveraray by Grant Griffen as the 'More defence seemed to go to sleep. Glen Mackintosh then hammered two quick goals to send 'More 3-1 ahead. As half time approached, Newtonmore's centre line were in full blooded attack mode. As a result, they failed to track Inveraray's midfield as they themselves pressed forward. Inveraray were allowed too much possession, and shortly before the turn, two soft goals from Scott Robertson and Griffen levelled the tie. The second half saw a little more caution from Newtonmore. MacKintosh completed what could be a very important hat-trick in 55 minutes to restore the Blue and White's advantage. Evan Menzies sealed the win, which completes Newtonmore's best Premier campaign, losing only once. The Oban Camanachd-Bute game fell victim to the weather. It could well be Christmas or beyond before the relegation issue is settled as Bute have three games to play, while Inveraray have two. |
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