Soccer lads start to hit their form

NEW Merkinch United manager, George Reid has only been in the hot seat for a few weeks, but he says he is very happy with the way things are going.
“The first couple of games I was getting to know the players and what they could do,” he told News & Views. “Now we are starting to play as a team.”

The first game the lads had since George took over management of the team was against a Police team on 27th October. Half-time saw Merkinch United 5-1 down , but they fought back in the second half to draw five all before the Police scored the winner in the last minute of the game.
The next game was against an established Gun Lodge outfit who beat the local boys by a solid 4-1. “The only real difference between the teams,” says George, “was that we never took our chances and they did. Plus we missed a penalty.”

However, on 17th November everything began to come together when Merkinch United beat Culloden Portland 5-2. “We were never in trouble and were always in control,” says George. Goals came from Chris Hunter, Matty Hunter, Al Crosbie, Stuart MacArthur and Simon Mackie.
George has around 25 years’ experience in football and with co-manager James McPhee led The Lochiel to sweep the boards trophy-wise two seasons in a row in the mid-90s. He summed up his first month: “So we have to keep up the good work. I’m sure we can keep it going well as long as the boys stay in on Friday nights!”

The new manager and his 21-strong squad would like to thank Andrew at Forbes Pharmacy for contributing the team’s medical kit and to Jim at Clach Shoe Repairs for all his help.

Currently they are seeking sponsorship of £440 - the cost of entering the Summer League, which starts in April. Anyone who can help, or any lads wanting to join in this up-and-coming outfit can contact George Reid at 96 Kessock Avenue.

Under-14s say thanks too VIC “Tubby” Leslie of Merkinch United

Under-14 team would like to thank the following for all their help and support over the past season on behalf of himself, Brian Duncan and Willie Fraser: Billy Nelson and Isobel MacRae of Clach Club, Donnie George Mackenzie of Clach Supporters Club, and last but not least Victor Urquhart of Swift Scaffolding, plus all the others who helped in any way.

Darts latest

THE season is now well underway and the latest results in the Inverness Darts Leagues are as follows:

OCTOBER 18th - A League: Drouthy Duck 6 Fluke 6, Portland A 8 Haugh 4, Portland B 7 Tarradale 5, Uncle Bob’s 6 Portland C 6. B League: Blacksmiths 8 Clachnaharry 4, Dows 6 Gun Lodge 6, Legion A 4 Legion B 8, Innes Bar - no game. C League: Clach Club 5 Nip Inn 7, Smithton 7 Portland E 5, The Keg 7 Macallums 5, Portland X 9 Chieftain 3.
OCTOBER 25th - A League: Portland C 9 Drouthy Duck 3, Tarradale 5 Uncle Bob’s 7; Haugh 8 Portland B 4, Fluke 2 Portland A 10. B League: Legion B 9 Innes Bar 3, Gun Lodge 9 Legion A 3, Clachnaharry 3 Dows 9. C League: Chieftain 6 Clach Club 6, Macallums 1 Portland X 11.
NOVEMBER 7th - Ladies League: Portland B 2 Portland A 8.
NOVEMBER 8th - A League: Drouthy Duck 1 Portland A 11, Portland B 8 Fluke 4, Uncle Bob’s 11 Haugh 1, Portland C 7 Tarradale 5. B League: Blacksmiths 3 Dows 9, Legion A 8 Clachnaharry 4, Innes Bar 8 Gun Lodge 4. C League: Clach Club 8 Smithton 4, The Keg 5 Nip Inn 7, Portland X 9 Portland E 3, Chieftain 8 Macallums 4.
NOVEMBER 14th - Ladies League: Portland A 7 Jolly Drover 3.
NOVEMBER 15th - Supreme Cup 1st Round: Portland A 10 Portland X 2, Nip Inn 4 Clachanharry 6, Macallums 8 Uncle Bob’s 4, Smithton 7 Gun Lodge 5, Legion A 8 Dows 4, Blacksmiths 4 Tarradale 8.
2nd Round: Clach Club 2 Portland B 9, Fluke 7 Legion B 2, Haugh 7 Portland E 5.

Members of the Active Adults Club at Merkinch Community Centre, who have been discovering all sorts of sporting skills this year such as archery and ten-pin bowling, are here pictured with the Over-50s Rollerbowl Trophy they won for the second consecutive time. The knives will really be out for the next match, girls! Good luck.