Scottish Hydro Premier Division

Glenorchy 0-3 Newtonmore

After last week's demoralising 11-0 thumping by Kyles Athletic in the MacAulay Cup, Glenorchy returned to league action with a visit from the reigning Premier League champions Newtonmore - Not a fixture which they would have picked to gain some sort of confidence from!

However, a much improved performance and some resolute defending resulted in a vastly improved scoreline by the end of the game. Manager, Allan MacKechnie had demanded a more comitted showing and he certainly got this.

The conditions at the start of the game were monsoon-like as winds gusted around and rain pelted everyone for a good 10 minutes which resulted in spectators retreating to cars and camans escaping the grip of players. By the time calm was restored the visitors had taken the lead courtesy of a close range effort from Steven MacDonald which was just about deserved on the balance of play.

Glenorchy were creating chances though and full centre Findlay Ross had an effort from distance which crept just past and Kenny MacDougall at full forward fired just over as half time approached. The interval came just after Newtonmore extended their lead through that man MacDonald again with a swirling 20-yard shot which left Graeme MacKechnie in the home goal helpless.

So, Glen went into half time 2 goals down. The same as the previous week when Kyles proceeded to score a further 9 after the interval. The management and players of Glenorchy were determined to ensure this didn't happen again.

The second half started at a slow pace with neither side really making much headway in a very heavy underfoot conditions. This suited the home side as it meant 'More could not get into their usual free flowing style.

The killer third goal did arrive though midway through the half when winger Paul MacArthur shot home from distance. This ended the game as a contest and Newtonmore, who were missing some first team regulars, seemed content with this scoreline.

The game finished 3-0 to Newtonmore but Glenorchy can take great heart and encouragement from a vastly improved showing from last week as they look forward to a Camanachd Cup 2nd round encounter at the Mart Park with Lovat next weekend.