Home   Sport   Article

Newtonmore up to fourth place after win over Lovat





Norman MacArthur, joint manager of Newtonmore, was full of praise for the defence.
Norman MacArthur, joint manager of Newtonmore, was full of praise for the defence.

Newtonmore move up to fourth in the Mowi Premiership after beating Lovat 1-0 at the Eilan on Saturday.

Ian Richardson returned for ‘More and lined up in defence in place of the injured Steven Macdonald.

Martin Hall was also carrying a knock. Kyle Clark was called up from the second team.

With next month’s Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup final in mind, Lovat left out Craig Mainland, Danny Kelly and Lorne MacKay whilst Fraser Heath was with the second team.

Martin Mainland had suffered a football injury and Drew Howie was suspended.

Newtonmore opened with the wind, and the almost took the lead in the opening minutes but Cameron McNiven’s fierce shot cannoned off Stuart MacDonald, hitting the Scotland keeper in the chest.

The game’s decisive moment came after 10-minutes when Joe Coyle’s strike from outside the D deflected into the net off teammate Iain Robinson, wrong-footing SMacDonald in the Lovat goal, with the visitors claiming in vain for offside.

Home goalie Kenny Ross had little to do but did make a smart stop with his hand during the first 45-minutes.

Whilst ‘More had the better of the first half, Lovat, now with the elements, came more into it after the restart although the home side went close again with a Joe Coyle rocket-shot but keeper MacDonald made a good reaction save.

‘More co-manager Norman MacArthur said: “Both teams were short and as well as the players who are out, the likes of Rory Kennedy is playing with an injury.

“Defensively, we were very good whilst Drew MacDonald and Craig Ritchie played well in midfield.

“I thought Lovat’s Lewis Tawse was very good at full centre and Marc MacLachlan put a good shift in too.”

Lovat boss Jamie Matheson said: “We did alright but the wind was a big factor.

“We were obviously missing a few but the good thing is that I have 17 players competing for a starting place in the Camanachd Cup final against Kingussie and that’s our priority.”

The sides were to do it all over again in the league this coming Saturday, this time at Balgate.

However that game will now be rescheduled as the Newtonmore seconds play in the Strathdearn Cup final against Skye.

Newtonmore’s other remaining fixtures are home and away encounters against Kinlochshiel.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.


This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More