Newtonmore and Kingussie aiming to set up all-Badenoch final
Both Newtonmore and Kingussie will be gunning to make it an all Badenoch affair in the cottages.com MacTavish Cup semi-finals tomorrow.
The Blue and Whites are up against lower league opposition in Fort William away at An Aird.
Co-boss Norman MacArthur commented: “There’s a place in the final at stake and we have a few things to think about.
“Iain Robinson managed the last 10 minutes on Saturday, so we’ll see how he it.
“Conor Jones had to come off after 20 minutes though so he’s back to square one.
“Craig Ritchie fell on his injured shoulder, and we need to see how Duncan MacPherson gets on at training.
“Evan (Cheyne) and I have been talking about it and what we need is 12 fit players, not just eight or nine who are fully fit.
“We can’t carry unfit players as Fort William will be up for this.”
Newtonmore come into the big game on the back of a 2-1 reverse after conceding a late unfortunate own goal against Oban Camanachd away at Mossfield.
James MacMillan’s hit-in from the right made its way to the back post and Lewis Cameron lined the ball up from 18 yard’s range.
Keeper Kenny Ross had the strike covered but as Rory Kennedy dived into challenge, Cameron’s strike deflected off the full back’s stick and the ball changed direction, past the goalie and into the net to seal Oban Camanachd’s 2-1 win.
Kingussie meet Skye Camanachd in the other cottages.com MacTavish Cup semi-finals at the Dell.
It is a repeat of last year’s final and James Falconer is likely to again ruled out with his rib injury for the Kings.
Skye trio Ryan Harrison, William MacKinnon and John Gillies all missed last Saturday’s defeat at Lovat but manager Willie MacDonald hopes to have at least two of the three players back for the cup clash.
The league leaders dropped their first point of the Mowi Premiership season, drawing 2-2 away to Caberfeidh last weekend.
But it could have been worse with the Red and Blues all level and Cabers given the chance to take the lead with 20 minutes remaining.
Referee John Angus Gillies awarded the hosts a penalty when Kevin Bartlett suffered a head knock.
Craig Morrison blasted the ball down the middle but Kings keeper Rory 'Bob' McGregor made a brilliant save with his stick.