Inver scratch seven year itch with victory
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INVER got the new season off to a wining start with a battling 4-3 home victory against Stafford Cup first round opponents Kinlochbervie.
The Easter Ross club, who had been in abeyance for last seven years, are looking to make their mark in the North West Sutherland League this season.
Manager, Paul Connolly said: “We are delighted to be back playing in Inver. Our target this season is to get to a cup final and win our league. If we can keep the boys we have together I'm pretty confident we can challenge for the title.”
The Inver boss revealed the club also have plans to upgrade the Inver pitch. “The park was actually in very good condition on Saturday - we only had to fill in three rabbit holes. At the end of the season we have local farmers coming in a cultivator, 'dozer and grader to flatten the pitch, which is exciting.”
Teenager Aiden Stainke fired Inver ahead after a neat lay-off from veteran Lewis Ross.
Sam Beeston doubled the lead with an header in the 35th minute as Inver continued to dictate the pace.
The tie looked to be out of sight when Jordan Hailes volleyed home a third goal early in the second half.
But KLB refused to throw in the towel they pulled a couple of goals back through Sam Lucas and Liam Flett.
However, Calum Greenless made it 4-2 with a superb strike into the top corner.
Inver had to survive a nervous last few minutes after Rory Vass was sent off and Nathan Corbett netted a third goal for KLB. But Inver held out for a place in the first round where they will be away to either Dornoch City or Golspie Stafford on Saturday.
Tain Thistle swept into the quarter-finals with an emphatic 6-0 victory against Melvich at the Links.
Finn As-Chainey was the star man for Thistle in this one-sided affair.
He opened the scoring and it was his cross which was turned into his own net by Kerr Mackay.
As-Chainey scored again just before the half hour mark and Chris Mailley chipped in with a fourth goal before the break.
Liam Rostock scored from the penalty spot after As-Chainey was hauled down in the box, and substitute Gordy MacKay completed the scoring.
In the other tie, Lochinver defeated Embo 3-1 at Back Park.
