Loch Ness are four points clear at the top of the North Caledonian League after winning a pulsating clash 4-3 late on at rivals Golspie Sutherland.
Golspie, who were champions two years ago, were looking to recover from their shock 6-1 defeat against Orkney.
They knew a home win would take them into first position against their opponents who lost to Invergordon last week in the semis of the Football Times Cup.
Allan MacPhee gave Loch Ness the early lead, but Billy Cairns made it 1-1 after just 10 minutes.
Full-time score. @GolspieSuthFC 3 – 4 @LochNessFC. 7 goals, 2 red card and the cruelest of own goals to decide the game. #NCFA #NorthCaley pic.twitter.com/PjbLZgjZSy
— MackieSportsPhotos (@MackiePhotos) October 15, 2022
MacPhee pushed the visitors in front just before the interval and, when Scott Morrison stretched it to 3-1, it looked over.
However, Cairns struck twice for his hat-trick and the match was heading for a 3-3 draw until an own goal in the final minute sunk gutted Golspie, who remain second.
Both teams had men sent off, with Scott Maclean given his marching orders in the first half and Golspie’s Steven Sutherland red-carded in the second half.
What a game!
Down to 10 men after 25 minutes and had to grind out the win. More about character than anything else today! #FORZALOCHNESS pic.twitter.com/Z8KCWxo2w7
— Loch Ness Football Club (@LochNessFC) October 15, 2022
Athletic see off battling Bonar Bridge
Inverness Athletic occupy third spot, two points adrift of Golspie, following their 3-1 win at basement side Bonar Bridge.
Dean Allison’s first half goal for Inverness was all that separated the sides until Adam Mackay’s 71st-minute leveller offered hope to the hosts.
90’ | 🟢 BBFC 1-3 IAFC 🌑 | #BonarBridge
#InvAth
FULL TIME
Full time here at Migdale Park and it’s back to winning ways for Athletic. Goals from Dean Allison, Luke Mackay and a Ryan Macleod header ensured that Inverness secured the three points.Match Report to follow…. pic.twitter.com/hxcKEWNDFw
— Inverness Athletic Football Club (@InvernessAthFC) October 15, 2022
However, they slid to their seventh straight defeat as quickfire goals for Luke Mackay and Ryan MacLeod earned the points for Athletic.
Four-goal victory takes Alness fourth
Alness United’s steady rise continued as they ran out impressive 4-0 winners away to Clachnacuddin A at the Bught Park, Inverness.
Stuart Michael’s goal as the only difference in the first half and the young Lilywhites were in the contest until Ryan Stewart doubled the scoreline on the hour mark.
Alexander Mackay added a third goal soon after and Ryan McFee rounded it off on 77 minutes to push Alness up to fourth position.
Todays @NorthCaleyFA final score pic.twitter.com/8RuXzdaTMB
— Alness United FC (@AlnessUnitedFC) October 15, 2022
Munro treble keeps Fort in title chase
Fort William are level on points with Alness and with a game in hand after their 4-0 home victory against Nairn County A.
Martin Munro was the star of the show for Alan Gray’s side as he bagged a second half hat-trick, with Amin Benyoucef also on the scoresheet after a goalless first 45 minutes.
There's a lot of travelling in the North Caledonian League but hats off to the Essex Boys Fort William Supporters Club for making the long journey up to watch today's game!
Glad we got a victory and a clean sheet for you boys and we hope you enjoy your stay.#MonTheFort 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/GjUsCYsmSN
— Fort William FC (@FortWilliamFC) October 15, 2022
The afternoon was enjoyed by the Essex Boys Fort William Supporters Club, who made the long journey to Claggan Park for the match.
Invergordon net win away to Halkirk
Champions Invergordon got a much-needed three points when they ran out 2-1 winners at Halkirk United.
Jordan Knight gave them a lead in the first minute and Benjamin Kelly added to that on 28 minutes.
Kuba Koziol halved the deficit seven minutes later, but the ninth-placed Anglers could not find a leveller.
Invergordon, who had lost two of their four opening games, are 10 points off the top, but have two games in hand.
Saints strike back to keep the heat on
St Duthus will be happy with their weekend’s work as their 3-1 comeback victory over Thurso makes it four wins from five fixtures.
The Tain team fell behind to a Aaron Wilson goal on 14 minutes, but Jake Lockett, on his birthday, soon equalised and 1-1 was the interval scoreline.
Man of the Match today – birthday boy and scorer of lovely free kicks, Jake Lockett. pic.twitter.com/u135t2HxtR
— St Duthus Football Club (@StDuthusFC) October 15, 2022
Stefan McRitchie edged the Saints ahead on 65 minutes and Shaun Marshall ensured no way back for the Vikings with a last-minute third goal.
Saturday’s games (2pm unless stated) – Alness United v St Duthus, Inverness Athletic v Golspie Sutherland, Invergordon v Clach A, Bonar Bridge v Nairn County A, Loch Ness v Halkirk United, Thurso v Orkney (2.15pm).
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