Inverness Athletic beat Clachnacuddin to claim city derby victory in five-goal thriller in Under-18 Highland League
City spoils were up for grabs in the Highland League under-18 north division this past Sunday, as Inverness Athletic moved up to fifth place in the league table after victory over Clachnacuddin.
The North Kessock youngsters needed a late winner from Aiden Maclennan to win by the odd goal in five after having held a two-goal lead for the majority of the game.
Blair Bigham was the man on target for Athletic after just five minutes, lashing the ball past Daniel Kruger after some persistent build-up play.
The same player then doubled his side’s advantage five minutes before the interval, with a composed finish from a tight angle.
The game looked to be going in the visitors’ favour, until the 79th minute when Alex Heggie adding the final touch to a fast-moving counter.
Athletic were left stunned just four minutes later when Alfie Forsyth drew the young Lilywhites level, getting on the end of a long Kruger kick out before lobbing the ball into the far corner.
But Athletic were not to be denied, and with four minutes remaining, sub Maclennan was played in on goal for a clever finish to make it 3-2.
Adding to Clach’s late woes, Forsyth was dismissed after receiving two bookings in quick succession.
At Dalmore Park, Alness United had to settle for a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Forres Mechanics.
The game had been goalless for 83 minutes when Jamie Macleod eventually broke the deadlock, netting the opener for the home side.
But the Alness advantage lasted just three minutes before Jake Newlands brought the Can Cans back on to level terms.
Dingwall were made to rue missed chances at home to Keith, beaten by a 90th minute Michael Maver goal.
A Fraser Ross penalty kick one minute before the break gave Dingwall the first half advantage before Keith substitute Irvin Bradley made it 1-1 with twenty minutes left.
But in the final minute of the match, Maver snatched victory for the Maroons.
Unbeaten league leaders Wick Academy were unrelenting against Nairn County at Naver.
Goals were scored by three players who have all flirted with first team showings this season, with Matthew Robertson standing out after grabbing a second-half hat-trick in a 5-2 win.
Academy’s other strikes came from George Ewing and Owen Bain.
In the other game of the day, Lossiemouth beat Rothes 2-0.