Lochaber & Inveraray face off in the Ferguson Transport & Shipping Balliemore Cup Final this Saturday at Spean, with the game throwing up at 14:30.
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Inveraray are scoring an average of 2.3 goals per game and conceding an average of 2.1.
Lochaber are scoring an average of 2.7 goals per game and conceding an average of 1.3 goals per game.
Growing into the halves
Inveraray’s scoring data across the season reveals a side that grows steadily into matches and finds its sharpest edge around the interval.
They start with a modest four goals in the opening 15 minutes, before lifting to seven between the 15th and 30th minute. Their most productive spells come just before and after half-time: eight goals from the 30th to 45th minute, and another eight between the 60th and 75th.
The period immediately after the restart sees a dip, with just three goals from the 45th to 60th minute—perhaps reflecting a brief loss of momentum. Yet Inveraray rally again late on, adding five more in the final quarter-hour.
Looking across the fixture list, Inveraray have mixed solid wins—like a 4–0 home triumph over Aberdour and a 3-0 win against GMA — with tighter contests, including draws with Bute and a narrow defeats against a handful of National sides. They will be looking to avenge their 3-2 defeat to Lochaber in March this weekend and get their hands on the Balliemore Cup for the 2nd time.
Altogether, the data suggests a team whose threat gradually builds, peaks around half-time, and resurfaces late on—a rhythm that has helped secure key results across the campaign.
2nd half lapse
Inveraray’s defensive record shows clear patterns of vulnerability in the second half of matches, conceding almost double the amount of goals that they do in the first half.
They’ve conceded six goals in the first 15 minutes, suggesting early nerves or slow starts. After that, the defence tightens impressively, shipping only one goal between the 30th and 45th minute—their most settled spell.
However, the second half tells a different story: six goals conceded straight after the interval, then rising further to seven in both the 60–75 and 75–90 minute windows. This points to mounting pressure, fatigue or lapses in concentration as games progress.
In short, while Inveraray can steady themselves mid-half, the data underlines a clear need to shore up as the game progresses if they’re to keep opponents at bay over the full 90 minutes.
Setting the tone
Lochaber’s scoring record this season reveals a team that strikes early and tries to kill games off in the opening period of games.
They’ve netted 11 goals in the opening 15 minutes—by far their most prolific spell and almost double their tally in any other quarter-hour. This points to a side determined to seize control from the outset.
After that explosive start, their scoring evens out, with six goals each in the 15–30, 45–60, 60–75 and 75–90 minute periods, and five between the 30th and 45th minute. This steady output shows Lochaber maintain a consistent threat across matches, without relying solely on late rallies or brief bursts.
Their fixtures reflect this pattern: emphatic wins like 7–1 over Col Glen and 4–1 against Glasgow Mid Argyll contrast with narrower victories and occasional setbacks, including losses to Premiership opposition in the cups, namely Kingussie and Lovat.
Freak period
Lochaber’s defensive record shows a mostly steady back line, with one notable lapse.
They conceded just two goals in each of the first and second 15-minute periods, and only three between the 30th and 45th minute—a sign of early control and resilience.
After the break, they remain steady immediately, with three goals conceded between the 45th and 60th minute. Yet the hour mark proves costly: eight goals conceded in the 60–75 minute spell, by far their most fragile phase. The final quarter-hour tightens up again, with only two more conceded.
The one freak period accounts for 40% of their conceded goals so should be a period Inverary look to target.
Watt lights 'Aray
Fraser Watt is Inveraray's shining light this season with 12 goals so far, Ewan Donnan isn't far behind on 9, Watt and Andrew McKinlay both bagged against Lochaber back in March.
Shaun of the Reds
Shaun Nicolson tops the charts for Lochaber so far this campaign, closely followed by Captain Ben Delaney. Balliemore Cup victory then off to the Winchester until it all blows over?
Similar averages, different compositions
The two squads paint quite different pictures.
Lochaber’s average age sits just above 27, shaped by a balanced mix of players in their late twenties and early thirties, anchored by a few seasoned veterans in their thirties. It’s a side with maturity, but still plenty of running in the legs – suggesting a blend of composure and energy.
In contrast, Inveraray’s squad edges higher at around 28, pulled up by two stalwarts in their late forties and early fifties. Strip those out, and the core is youthful: several key players in their early twenties, balanced by experienced heads in their mid-thirties. This hints at a side that might lean on raw pace and enthusiasm, while drawing on deep tactical nous when it matters.
Come Saturday, Lochaber’s cohesion and relative consistency of age could lend them steady legs and discipline over the ninety minutes. Inveraray, though, might benefit from fresh legs in key areas – and the calming influence of real campaigners when the game inevitably turns tense. It sets up a fascinating contrast: energy and youth offset by hard-won experience on both sides, each hoping their blend is the winning formula.
5/5 for Lochaber
Lochaber arrive at the Balliemore Final with a 5/5 record with wins coming against Glenurquhart, Bute, Oban Celtic and a double victory against Col Glen. Inveraray boast 2 victories, a draw with Bute and a couple of defeats, a heavy 5-0 loss against Kilmallie and a valiant 1-4 defeat against Newtonmore in the Camanachd Cup Quarter-Finals.
Lochaber Road to the Final
W-O vs Kilmory
1-2 vs Oban Celtic
4-1 vs Col Glen
Inveraray Road to the Final
1-1 (1-2 win on penalties) vs Bute
4-0 vs Aberdour
4-1 vs Inverness
Ferguson Transport & Shipping Director
Carol MacKinnon
Games in the past between the two teams have always been very competitive and close affairs.
It’s all on the day and may the best team win and hope everyone enjoys this show case final which we are, as always, delighted to support!
Inveraray Captain
Ruaridh Graham Jnr
“It’s an honour to be leading the boys out as captain especially after having 6 months out injured last year. It’s a great feeling to be back playing and even more so as Captain this year.
It’s always been a tough game anytime we’ve played against Lochaber. They are a good team with a mix of physical and skilful players. We know we will have to be at our best to get the result we want on Saturday.”
Lochaber Captain
Ben Delaney
“I’m buzzing, leading the team out will be the best thing I’ve done as a Lochaber player, 2023 was one of my favourite games, beating your local rivals – lovely stuff!”
Camanachd Association President
Burton Morrison
“Today’s finalists, Lochaber and Inveraray have had periods
of success throughout their respective histories, and both
have seen an increase in their playing strength over recent
years. Lochaber will start as favourites as they currently
sit in top position in the National Division. Inveraray have
struggled to find consistency in the league, but their cup
form has been much better. If both teams can reach the levels of shinty they are capable of playing at, the spectators
can look forward to a thrilling encounter. Best of luck to both teams.”
Relive the Semi-Final goals and interviews in full:
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