We are just 2 days away from the 2021 Highland Industrial Supplies Sutherland Cup Final between Newtonmore and Lovat – read below how the last final transpired…
Lochside win Highland Industrial Supplies Sutherland Cup Final at the Canal Park
Lovat 1 Lochside Rovers 2 (After extra-time)
Lochside Rovers lifted the Highland Industrial Supplies Sir William Sutherland Cup for the second time in three years, defeating the Lovat second team 2-1 after extra-time at the Canal Parks, Caol.
The action was very tight between the sides and though Lochside had a definite edge throughout it took them until late in the game before they managed to get the break on an excellent Lovat backline of Tom Collings and James Grieve. Eventually, however Lochside made the break-through on 71 minutes. Ross Campbell capitalised on some loose marking as he found space outside the D and he sent a shoulder-high shot to Lovat keeper and captain Ronan MacMillan’s left which flew the net to make it 1-0.
The goal served to sting Lovat into action though and, almost straight from the restart, they drew level when veteran Raymond Rennie’s powerful strike found its way through a crowded goal area past Lochside keeper Gavin Stobbart to bring the sides level.
With the score remaining tied at 1-1 at the end of normal time referee Andy Maclean took proceedings into overtime with Lochside dominated this period, controlling the centre line for most of that time In the end their winning goal came with 97 minutes on the clock when a uncertain clearance out of the Lovat defence fell for Lochside front man Lewis Buchanan and he fired a great shot from distance into the net to make it 2-1.
Lovat pushed hard for an equaliser but the closest they came to a leveler was a late Jamie Matheson shot from the left which went harmlessly across goal. However, an equaliser would have been harsh on Lochside who created more chances and deserved their win over the two hours of shinty.
After the final whistle, Lochside skipper Jordan Kerr was presented with the Sutherland Cup by Garry MacKintosh from sponsors Highland Industrial Supplies with Camanachd Association President Keith Loades also in attendance.
