Victor Smith and Addie Robertson have stepped down after 11 years as co-managers of Fort William following their relegation from the Mowi Premiership.
The 3-0 away loss to Glasgow Mid Argyll ensured the home side’s survival and sent Fort tumbling through the trapdoor – and proved a swan song for a respected double act who won the National Division title the previous season.
“We’re creating a chance for a successor to begin with a blank sheet and offer a fresh approach for the players as we start again in the National Division,” said Victor. “Addie and I actually took our decision before the Glasgow match.
“We’ve had the time of our lives managing this club. We’ve loved it, but it’s time for change. I realised it was the end of an era in the closing minutes of the game when Addie actually complimented the referee!”
Club legends as players, Victor and Addie have shown tremendous commitment to the An Aird club and have pursued a youth policy which has developed a series of talented players. Fort now have a challenging task as they seek a new boss.
Fort’s fate means NO Lochaber representation in next season’s Premiership
Early goals from John McNulty and Craig Anderson sealed Fort’s fate at Peterson Park, with Anderson grabbed his second on 53 minutes to ensure Mid Argyll finish four points clear of Fort and also leapfrog Kyles Athletic.
This means that, for the first time, there will be no Lochaber area club in next year’s Premiership. Fort’s neighbours Kilmallie have already been relegated, while Spean Bridge club Lochaber took the drop in the previous season and have not mounted a challenge this term.
It is a sad commentary on the diminished status of this once-mighty shinty stronghold – and now all three will be battling for two promotion places in 2023.
Shiel seal second in top-flight
Kinlochshiel, who had won seven games on the spin, finished in second place, despite a 5-1 defeat from Lovat in their final fixture – switched to Kiltarlity after Reraig Park was unplayable.
Lewis Tawse struck early for Lovat before Greg Matheson’s double made it 3-0 at half time.
Teenager Archie MacRae netted for Shiel, but Calum Macaulay fired the Black and Whites’ fourth on 73 minutes, with Matheson completing his hat-trick a minute later.
Lovat, who still have two games to play, move up to fifth place.
Beauly keep slim National Division title hopes alive
Ryan Mackay hammered the ball in to the Inveraray net in the 93rd minute at Winterton Park for the only goal of the game – and threw Beauly a National Division title lifeline.
Following what was their last game, the Greens are now level on points with Skye and have a five-goal advantage – ut the islanders require only a point from their visit to Inveraray this weekend to lift the trophy.
In the North First Division, Glen Mackintosh’s double and one from Martin Hall gave Newtonmore colts a 3-0 win at Glen Urquhart, while James Robertson and Archie Miller were on target in Skye’s 2-0 win at Caberfeidh.
Fort William were unable to raise a team for the trip to Inverness, with Fort deducted two points and ordered to replay the fixture.
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