Fort William FC 1
Clachnacuddin A 1
North Caledonian League
(Fort win 4-3 on penalties)
Simon Shields Memorial Trophy
Hosts Fort William were limited to a frustrating draw against Clachnacuddin A at Claggan Park on Saturday, writes Peter Newman.
It took only 10 minutes for Clach to take the lead. Their forward scampered clear of the defence and Lewis Campbell was adjudged to have pulled him to the floor.
Aidan Mackinnon made no mistake from the spot, opening his account for the season.
Mackinnon would not be so lucky later when his spot kick was superbly saved by Kit Fletcher in the home side’s goal as the referee awarded a more controversial penalty against Andrew Zoomer Martin.
Much of the rest of the game saw the home side pressing, but failing to break through.
Set piece after set piece went begging before, in the 91st minute, yet another corner from Juan Cardona was met with the head of rangy midfielder Andrew Mclean who buried his fourth finish of the season.
The draw was the result for the North Caledonian League. The teams then went to a penalty shootout for the Simon Shields Memorial Trophy.
Fort William won 4-3 from the spot to slightly raise spirits but there an overwhelming sense of disappointment.
Manager Alan Gray was left as frustrated as the fans. “It was a very disappointing game for us today,” he told the Lochaber Times. “We had a strong squad and all the tools in the armoury to have secured the win.
“Sadly, through inaccuracy and imprecision of passing, movement and shooting, we couldn’t break down a determined Clach side.
“We were far too negative in our play and lacked the go forward and penetration which is what we do best when we’re on song.
“We will have to be far better next week against St Duthus to deserve to stay near the top of the table.”
Fort William are at home to Tain St Duthus this Saturday, kick off 2pm.
Featured image: Fort William FC were crowned winners of the annual Simon Shields Trophy after a penalty shoot out with Clachnacuddin A at Claggan Park. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos. NO_F40_FortWilliamFCvClachnacuddinA 02