Weekend to remember for Kingussie’s second team
The Kingussie second team are through to the HIS Sutherland Cup final after springing a major shock against higher league opponents Newtonmore.
They beat ‘More’ second team, the Sutherland Cup holders, 2-1 in their noon throw up at the Dell on Saturday.
It was a double celebration as Lewis Camanachd’s Mowi North Division 2 defeat to the Kilmallie second team later in the afternoon confirmed Kingussie as league champions.
The Kings took the lead in the second team derby through Toby Thain on 15 minutes.
The goal came from a good move involving Somhairle Fraser in midfield feeding Michael Slimon.
He played in Toby Thain who produced a neat cut back just around the penalty D before hitting a rocket shot into the roof of the net.
There were a few close things but no further scoring until Miko Berowski made it 2-0 with just five minutes remaining.
It was no more than a half chance for Miko Berowski who played the ball early from the edge of the box, through a lot of bodies, by and unsighted their keeper with his effort going low to the bottom right of the goalie.
Jamie Robinson pulled a goal back a minute from time, but Kingussie saw out the closing stages to beat their higher league opponents.
Steven MacLachlan was the match referee.
Kingussie now meet their Skye Camanachd counterparts in the HIS Sutherland Cup final at Blairbeg on Saturday 14 September 2024 after Jordan Murchison’s brace helped the Islanders defeat Fort William 2-1.
Reflecting on securing a place in the final, and the league success, Kingussie co- manager John Gibson added: “It was a great day.
“The derby was a really exciting game to watch with both teams having good spells of pressure.
“We had some really good performances but collectively, we were excellent. Macleod Dawson played Joe Coyle very well and their individual battle was a highlight of the game.
“Hayden Taylor Ramsay played well in goals with a couple of excellent saves just as Newtonmore were beginning to dominate.
“But the whole defence coped really well with Glen Mackintosh and Jamie Robinson’s strength.
“Sam Thain played his best game of the season and James Hutchison kept everyone calm.
“Fraser Munro and Louis Munro played alongside each other in midfield and really looked like they were enjoying themselves.
“Michael Slimon covered just about every blade of grass on the Dell and probably deserved a goal for his work rate alone.
“Jack Nelson went up against full back Norman Campbell and proved to be a real handful.
“It was undoubtedly our best performance of the season with every player contributing. The challenge now is to replicate that in the final against Skye.”
Turning his attention to the league success, Gibson said: “Our young guys have been excellent in Division 2 this year and hopefully they can take some confidence back into Division 1 next season.”
This coming Saturday, the Newtonmore seconds are off to Lochcarron in Mowi North Division 1 whilst champions Kingussie colts travel to play Mowi North Division 2 bottom side Strathglass.