Mallaig win through after eventful Ross Cup semi-final

Fort William Reserves fell at the semi-final stage as Mallaig FC pipped the new boys on penalties to qualify for the Ross Cup final on Tuesday August 1, writes Peter Newman.

 

"attachment_999577" "" "300"] Fort's Michael Gillespie gets to grips with Archie Gilles. Photograph: Arthur Campbell.

 

The Fort Reserves travelled high on confidence having beaten table topping Sleat and Strath in the last round.

 

However, Mallaig were also looking to reel in their local rivals having trounced North West Skye 7-4 in their own quarter final.

 

In an exciting encounter, the action was end to end and packed with events.

 

First strike fell to the Fort. A ball was played through to Robbie Rydings who was hauled to the floor.

 

Quarter final match winner, Dave Forbes is proving something of a set piece wizard in his dotage. Here, the classy midfielder sank the penalty with aplomb to open the scoring.

 

After half an hour, it looked as though the game had turned even further towards the Lochaber lads.

 

Mallaig’s Marc McLean was sent off, leaving the home side with an hour to get back into the game and with a man less to do so.

 

They did though. First, a controversial free kick was awarded to them and this was deflected off a Fort player for an own goal to level the sides.

 

Then, with both sides having chances and failing to get the ball in the net, the Mallaig men held on for penalties.

 

In the shoot out, Mallaig’s Liam Mclean, Acharacle youngster, Michael Doherty, former South Lochaber Thistle forward  Gordy Jamieson and Niall MacBeth were all on target for the hosts.

 

Forbes again, Ruaridh MacDonald and Davie Neil sank their spot kicks but Liam Gilchrist and returning wanderer Keir Kennedy were denied to leave the Mallaig outfit to progress to the final.

 

Fort William Reserve team manager Paul Skinnick was upbeat.

 

“It was a tough game but I think the boys can be really proud of their performance,” he said.

 

“Having a couple of old heads in the team is definitely helping some of the youngsters gain experience and we are really kicking on.”

 

Mallaig will face Skye outfit Kyleakin in the final which is likely to be played at Broadford on Tuesday September 12 (tbc).