Lovat’s well-drilled young defence has given the Kiltarlity team a chance of their first Orion Premiership title.
But after their surprise 2-0 win at Newtonmore threatened to sabotage the champions’ bid for a fifth successive title, Lovat manager Allan MacRae stressed his team needs to get used to the lofty position of being four points clear at the top.
“We’ve never been in this position before and it’s important we don’t let that scare us,” said the Helmsdale-based policeman. “Six straight wins is excellent form but we need to keep our consistency going and not be deflected mentally. We must adjust to being pacesetters and the team to be shot at.
“There’s a long way to go but we’ve built ourselves a platform and now we have to maintain our focus.”
In the new 14-game league, Lovat are one game from halfway with a 100% cent record but they had to dig deep defensively to frustrate Newtonmore with international goalkeeper Stuart MacDonald pulling off a series of fine saves.
MacRae said: “Our backs were to the wall for long spells but we defended calmly and I thought Callum Cruden, Michael Mackenzie and Drew Howie were outstanding.
“But we stood up to their pressure without buckling and it shows how much these players have progressed. We’ve conceded only four goals in our six games, which is a superb record.”
It is a long time since Newtonmore failed to score at home and manager Paul John Mackintosh was upset at his team not turning possession into goals.
Kevin Bartlett, the international midfielder who moved from Caberfeidh last season, thumped in both goals, the first nine minutes into the second half and the clincher seven minutes from time, to take him to six goals in three games.
Both were excellent examples of lively Lovat’s ability to hit on the break. Manager MacRae has pushed him up to wing forward this season and he is revelling in the move.
Kyles Athletic, meanwhile, kick-started their campaign by beating Kinlochshiel 3-1 to move up to fifth and signal that they could be a force now they are up to strength.
Last season’s Camanachd Cup runners-up were making their first home appearance of the season and have only three away games in their remaining nine league outings.
A three-goal burst in the first 22 minutes was a real welcome home for Kyles with Roddy Macdonald hitting a double either side of a Roberto Zavaroni goal.
Keith MacRae quickly pulled one back for Shiel who did well in a goalless second half but who remain in third bottom spot.