Newtonmore boss hopes side will take their chances this weekend
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Newtonmore boss Norman MacArthur hopes his side will find their shooting boots when they make the trip to Castle Leod this Saturday to play Caberfeidh.
The Blue and Whites were unable to convert their sustained periods of pressure into goals as they went down 2-0 to Kyles Athletic in their Mowi Premiership match at the Eilan on Saturday.
It was more disappointment for the Blue and Whites’ after the previous weekend’s late 3-2 loss away to Skye.
Reflecting on a disappointing afternoon, Newtonmore co-manager MacArthur said: “We had first half pressure without creating too many clear-cut chances but Kyles defended well.
"We lost the place in the second half.
“The penalty was a talking point and the same thing happened at the other end but didn’t go our way.
“That’s not the reason we lost the game though, we just couldn’t score.”
“Their second goal was unfortunate, and Kenny made two or three very good saves in the game but, again, it’s not the reason we lost as we were already 1-0 down with just a couple of minutes to go.
“I though Ritchie Irvine played very well, and Rory Kennedy was his usual excellent self, but we need to put our chances away as when you score goals, it becomes a different game, and it was the same against Skye the week before.”
There were just seven minutes gone when referee Alec MacVicar awarded Kyles a penalty, punishing Iain Richardson who was on the ground by the ball.
The ‘More players protested that Richardson had been shoved to the ground but their claims were waved away.
Ross Macrae made his usual efficient job from the spot although home keeper Kenny Ross did get his stick to the ball.
Newtonmore created opportunities in the game but could not find the net whilst Kenny Ross kept out anything Kyles offered.
The outcome remained in the balance until a minute from time when the ‘More keeper made a save with his feet but inadvertently turned the ball into his own net as he tried to play it out for a corner whilst under pressure from Scott Macdonald.
The sides also played for the Glenmorangie Shield which was presented after the final whistle to Kyles captain Scott Macdonald by Newtonmore club president Norman MacArthur.
Kyles player-coach Roddy Macdonald said afterwards: “It was a good win, if not a great performance, but the result is the most important thing at this point in the season.
“There’s lots to improve on and it certainly wasn’t a great game to watch.
“New signing James Pringle played around 80 minutes which will do him good as he and the rest of the team will all admit to being a bit rusty.”
Looking ahead to the weekend game, MacArthur commented: “I don’t think Craig Ritchie or Conor Jones will be fit in time but we have a couple of options that we’re thinking over.
"Cabers have goal scorers who are always a threat but it is a game we are looking to get something out of.”
