Greg Matheson's impact off the bench leads Lovat to victory in shinty showdown
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Matheson’s decisive contribution
In a thrilling encounter, Lovat emerged victorious against Fort William, clinching a spot in the prestigious WM Donald MacTavish Cup Final with a 2-0 win. The match saw Greg Matheson, who came off the substitutes’ bench, play a pivotal role by scoring the opening goal shortly after his introduction.
Matheson capitalized on a long ball from Craig Mainland, demonstrating his quick instincts and determination as he forced the ball home while on the ground, showcasing the kind of tenacity that can turn the tide in crucial matches.
Team effort seals the win
Marc MacLachlan further solidified Lovat’s lead with a goal in the 70th minute, confirming their place in the final. New Lovat manager Iain Nicolson expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, “Super-sub Greg scored within his first couple of touches – but the whole squad rose to the task and I couldn’t have asked any more of them.” Nicolson’s comments highlight the importance of teamwork and resilience, especially against a formidable opponent like Fort William, who had been in good form leading up to the match.
Kingussie returns to the final
In another exciting semi-final, Kingussie secured their place in the MacTavish Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Lochaber. Roddy Young’s low strike and Savio Genini’s expertly lofted shot over the goalkeeper were the highlights of the match. Manager Iain Borthwick reflected on the challenges faced during the game, particularly the loss of key players to injuries. Despite these setbacks, Kingussie managed to find their rhythm in the second half, demonstrating their depth and adaptability as a team.
Oban Camanachd advances in Challenge Cup
Meanwhile, in the Scottish Sea Farms Glasgow Celtic Society Challenge Cup, Oban Camanachd triumphed over Glasgow Mid Argyll with a 2-1 scoreline. Calum McLay’s early goal set the tone for the match, but Oban had to regroup after GMA equalized. The match showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with Oban ultimately prevailing thanks to a late goal from Gregor Macdonald, who capitalized on a well-placed cross from Malcolm Clark. Assistant manager Iain MacMillan praised his team’s effort and determination, emphasizing the importance of resilience in high-stakes matches.
Newtonmore’s strong league performance
In league action, Newtonmore continued their impressive run with a 2-0 victory over Kinlochshiel, moving up to fourth place in the Mowi Premiership. Iain Robinson’s early goal set the stage for a solid performance, with the team demonstrating both offensive prowess and defensive solidity. Manager Peter Ross commended his players for their contributions and highlighted the importance of maintaining their form as they aim for further success in the league.
Looking ahead
As the season progresses, the excitement surrounding the MacTavish Cup final builds, with Lovat and Kingussie set to clash in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have shown remarkable skill and determination, and fans eagerly anticipate a showcase of the best shinty has to offer. With the league also heating up, teams are vying for crucial points as they aim for championship glory.
