IT WAS a huge day for ColGlen in Glendaruel on Saturday as the first team took on Fort William in the Premiership.
The Clachan pitch was in great shape. That, coupled with the fine weather, provided excellent conditions for the match.
Continuing the positive mood, ColGlen put in a hard-working performance against a strong Fort William side, eventually taking a share of the points in an entertaining 1-1 draw.
The Glen made a strong start with Hamish Harrison taking control in the centre, allowing the forward line to apply early pressure in the Fort William half. This would lead to several good opportunities in front of goal, however a combination of near misses and some good saves from Fort goalkeeper Paul Mackay kept the score level.
Scott Symons was also called in to action at the other end, making a couple of smart saves himself as Fort William’s forward pair, Victor Smith and Ewen Campbell, began to cause problems. Campbell, returning from suspension, was looking lively and Auryn Kerr had to be at his best to keep him in check. Despite chances at both ends, neither side could find the breakthrough before half-time and the score remained 0-0 at the interval.
The second-half started in much the same way, with ColGlen enjoying slightly more possession. However, Fort William showed how dangerous they are on the counter-attack when Jack Frazer played the ball through to Grieg Kelly, who quickly turned before finishing well to put the visitors ahead ten minutes after the restart.
The men from the Glen showed real resolve though and responded well, finding their equaliser just ten minutes later. Scott MacVicar chipped a nice pass towards his brother Andrew, who struck a canny backhand shot from close range that beat Mackay to bring ColGlen level.
The final 20 minutes produced an exciting end-to-end contest, with both sides pressing for a winning goal. Substitutes, Neily McNaughton and Kyle Kerr, were brought on for Sam Bulloch and Andrew MacVicar. With fresh legs on the park, ColGlen looked as if they might have enough to claim both points, but ultimately determined defending from the visitors kept the Glen at bay.
The game eventually finished 1-1, with a point apiece for the two evenly matched sides. Apart from a couple of flashpoints, which were dealt with by referee Craig Scott, it had mainly been a clean game played in good spirit.
It was another well-earned point for ColGlen as they keep Skye and Lochaber in their sights.
On the result, a club spokesman said: “Although a win would no doubt have been better, Ronnie and the players can still be pleased with this latest performance given Fort William’s standard and reputation.”
Half forward Marcus Keith, sponsored by Keith Marine Services Ltd, stood out as man of the match. The club was also grateful to Altin Home Improvements for sponsoring the match.
Attentions turn to this Saturday, as the Glen take on Caberfeidh in their next Premiership clash. Throw up is 2.30pm at the Clachan.
