THE game of the day in shinty’s Mowi Premiership this past weekend was at Balmacara, where Kinlochshiel drew 2-2 with Argyllshire visitors Kyles Athletic. The result means that Kyles remain the only unbeaten side in shinty’s top flight, while for Shiel the outcome is a boost for manager Johnstone Gill, who has not had his troubles to seek given his side’s uncertain start to the new season.
“Things are now going in the right direction. I think we suffered because the weather did not allow us to have enough pre-season games to get ourselves up to scratch – and it has taken us a while to get better. The way we are beginning to play now especially against a side like Kyles is encouraging”.
However, although the overall performance was encouraging, Shiel did not start well, losing a goal in the opening minute. An infringement by Shiel centre Donald Nixon at the throw-up resulted in a free hit forward into the D, where a failed attempt to clear by home keeper Stuart MacRae eventually fell to Kyles front man Robbie MacLeod who struck high into the net.
After the early setback, Shiel struggled and under Kyles pressure could have lost further goals. They did eventually get back into the game in 25 minutes after a low ball from Duncan Matheson picked out Scott MacLean. He picked out Keith MacRae wide on the right and he fired the ball past the Kyles keeper for the equaliser.
Kyles then pushed strongly to regain their lead but were thwarted by fine work from Stuart MacRae, who not only kept out the initial strike from Thomas Whyte but also recovered quickly to prevent Scott MacDonald netting the rebound. Play swung from end to end until just before the break when the visitors thought they were back in front after Thomas Whyte’s short free-hit was knocked home by Colin MacDonald. However, referee Archie Ritchie was quick to rule the players weren’t the required distance apart when the ball was played.
There was, however, still time for Shiel to react and right on the half-time whistle a powerful shot from Keith MacRae, which was heading straight for the top corner, brought out a superb save from John Whyte.
The home side resumed their assault on the Kyles goal after the restart but excellent work from half-back Roddy MacDonald and his full-back Calum Millar, who both played well throughout, limited Shiel’s chances of success – and indeed they went behind for a second time in 56 minutes after a drive from MacLeod was blocked, only for the rebound to be turned in by Kyles substitute Scott MacDonald.
Shiel continued to chase the game and they eventually got their reward five minutes from time when international defender Conor Cormack brought them level with a massive shot from distance which bounced up off the rock-hard surface, deceiving defender Neil MacVicar and keeper John Whyte, who will both feel they could have done better.
While Shiel have steadied after some early-season nerves and now lie fifth in the Mowi Premiership, the point sees Kyles move into third spot but with three games in hand on top side Lovat, who defeated Kingussie 3-0 at Kiltarlity. Meanwhile, Oban Camanachd won 3-1 away at Kilmallie.
Finally, holders Newtonmore are the last side through to the semi-final of the cottages.com MacTavish Cup thanks to a 6-2 away win over Caberfeidh.
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