Newtonmore’s Rory Kennedy helping to lay down solid foundations
For the second successive Saturday, Newtonmore returned from a trip to the west with both points after beating Kinlochshiel 2-0 at sunny Rèaraig.
Kinlochshiel keeper Josh Grant denied ‘More’s Cameron McNiven with a great save just below his crossbar and, as ‘Shiel tried to clear, the visitors were awarded a free-hit on the right by referee Iain Kennedy, penalising a home defender for ‘hacking’.
Matthew Sloss played the dead ball to Iain Robinson and ‘More’s top scorer finished well from the right.
Kenny Ross saved well from Keith MacRae, his only notable save in the match as the international Newtonmore defence of Rory Kennedy, Steven Macdonald and Daniel Sloss, ably assisted by Tristan Ross, dealt with everything that came their way.
‘More had several chances to extend their lead, especially during a second half which they dominated.
They eventually sealed victory five minutes from time when Iain Robinson’s strike from the right might just have been going wide but with keeper Josh Grant guarding his right post, the ball went into the net off his shoulder.
Matthew Sloss was terrific throughout and was denied the goal he deserved during the closing stages when Josh Grant tipped his swerving strike from distance over the crossbar.
Speaking straight after the final whistle, Newtonmore manager Peter Ross said: “The whole team are contributing, and we have to keep it going and keep playing our shinty.
“I thought Matthew Sloss was outstanding and was only denied a goal by Josh’s wonder save.
“Kinlochshiel are full of international players so I’m ecstatic with the win and that’s us come to the west coast on successive Saturdays and score six goals without reply.
“It’s fantastic.”
Newtonmore have now recorded four successive wins without conceding a goal and full back Rory Kennedy added: “Building a solid defence is massive for us.
“We know we’ve guys up front who can score so as long as we keep it tight at the back, we’ll give ourselves every chance of winning games.”
The Blue and Whites’ young talented forward Joe Coyle was a second half substitute.
It was a memorable weekend for the 16 year old as he was called up by SPL club Ross County as a substitute for their vital clash at home with Motherwell the next day.
However, the youngster did not get the nod off the bench from boss Don Cowie in the 1-1 draw.
The Staggies now face a third consecutive relegation play-off to avoid the drop from the top-flight.
The dropped points in Dingwall did not matter at the end of the day, as relegation rivals Dundee secured a 2-0 win at St Johnstone which put them out of County’s reach.
Meanwhile Newtonmore return to The Eilan on Saturday when Lovat visit in the Mowi Premiership.