COLGLEN produced a superb performance at the Clachan of Glendaruel on Saturday, becoming the first side this season to take a point from Premiership leaders Newtonmore.
Despite the lack of goals, the match was an entertaining and highly competitive encounter, with both sides creating opportunities and the result remaining in doubt until the final whistle.
With Cally McNaughton unavailable, Andrew Tyre moved into the ColGlen defence, where he joined his fellow defenders in facing an early onslaught from the Badenoch side. Newtonmore, spearheaded by current league top scorer Iain Robinson, looked particularly dangerous during the opening stages.
ColGlen gradually settled into the contest, however, and their continued ability to clear their lines allowed the midfield to become increasingly influential. The home side began to retain possession more effectively and move the ball forward with greater purpose.
Half-forward Marcus Keith was prominent throughout this period, causing problems for the Newtonmore defence, while Sam Bulloch also created a number of promising openings. Newtonmore goalkeeper Kenny Ross remained composed, though, and ensured that his defence was well organised as the sides went into the interval level at 0–0.
Newtonmore again emerged strongly after the restart, putting the ColGlen defence under considerable pressure. The home side survived the early second-half onslaught before producing their best spell of the afternoon. ColGlen began to play with greater confidence, using clever passing and movement to work their way deep into Newtonmore territory. The visitors were forced onto the defensive as the Glen probed for an opening.
As the match entered its closing stages, Newtonmore increased the pressure in search of the winning goal. However, frustration began to creep into their play, with several chances being snatched at. The home support had a heart-in-mouth moment when Newtonmore appealed for a penalty after Robinson went down inside the ColGlen area. Referee Alex MacVicar was ideally positioned and, seeing no infringement, waved away the appeals.
With just five minutes remaining, ColGlen came close to taking both points. Kyle Kerr controlled the ball superbly before laying it into the path of Neily McNaughton, whose effort flew just inches over the crossbar.
Newtonmore finished the game camped around the ColGlen goal, but skipper Murray McClymont and his teammates remained resolute. Having defended so impressively for the majority of the contest, there was no way they were going to concede a late goal this time. The final whistle confirmed a valuable 0–0 draw, leaving Newtonmore frustrated after dropping their first points of the season. The result will also have caught the attention of second-placed Kingussie, who will now be looking to close the gap at the top of the table.
For ColGlen, the point could prove equally valuable as Ronnie MacVicar’s side continues its battle to retain Premiership status. With Kyles and Skye also involved in the relegation fight, every point will be crucial, while the Glen will also be looking to pull Lochaber into the scrap when they travel to face the Spean Bridge side this Saturday.
This was a team performance which demonstrated considerable strength throughout the Col Glen squad. However, Man of the Match honours went to Scotland Under-17 internationalist Auryn Kerr, sponsored by MacVicar Butchers, following an impressive display at half back.
ColGlen Shinty Club would also like to express their sincere thanks to Neil Ferguson for sponsoring the match.
