Lochs Team (3-5-2)

Cameron Houston

Ally Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Alex “Tippex” Maciver.

Peter Mackenzie, Robert Mackenzie, David Macmillan, Andy Murray, David Martin.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald

 

Subs

Calum Campbell                                   not used

Roddy Morrison                                     for Peter Mackenzie

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie                    for Alex “Tippex” Maciver

Craig Maclean                                       for David Martin

Gordon Maciver                                     not used

 

 

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

Cameron Houston

Ally Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Alex “Tippex” Maciver.

Peter Mackenzie, Andy Murray, David Macmillan, Robert Mackenzie, David Martin.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald.

 

Subs

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie                                for Alex “Tippex” Maciver

 

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

Cameron Houston

Ally Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Alex “Tippex” Maciver.

Peter Mackenzie, David Macmillan, Robert Mackenzie, Andy Murray, David Martin.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald.

 

Subs

Calum Campbell                                   for David Martin

Gordon Maciver                                   for Donald “Nommie” Macdonald

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie                    for Alex “Tippex” Maciver

 

With both Lochs and Aths having played on the mainland on Saturday both sides might have been feelings the effects by Monday night. Aths were depleted and had to bring in some youngsters to fill the gaps and Lochs looked a bit tired and jaded as the game got under way. However, the early moments of the game suggested we were in for an end to end, no holds barred encounter. First Lava narrowly missed with a header in the first minute and in the second Scott Maciver put Aths in front after some hesitation in the Lochs midfield and defence. Play raged from end to end with Lochs having a good deal of the possession, creating chances but not taking them and Ali Walker and Scott Maciver terrorizing the Lochs rearguard. Lava did equalize for Lochs but after that Aths again took the initiative in the game and nearly took the lead but for a great save by Houston when he tipped an Ali Walker free kick on to the post. Another Aths free kick led to their second goal. A venomous drive from Walker rebounded of the Lochs keeper and was tapped in to give Aths a 2-1 half-time lead.

 

H.T. 1-2

A David Macmillan equalizer brought the sides level again but then came the goal of the game. Ali Walker raced past the Lochs defence before curling a marvelous drive over the Lochs keeper Houston and into the net at the goalies top left hand corner. But the Lochies were not out of this one. Andy, David Macmillan, Robert, Peter and David Martin drove the side on from midfield and once again Lava leveled the scoring at 3-3. Andy and David Macmillan completed the scoring but throughout Aths were very dangerous and deserved to take something from the game. A hard fought 5-3 win for the Maroons keep them in touch with Back at the top of the League.

 

 

 

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

David Black

Ali Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Alex “Tippex” Maciver.

Peter Mackenzie, David Macmillan, Andy Murray, Robert Mackenzie, David Martin.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald.

 

Subs

Cameron Houston                                for David Black

Calum Campbell                                   for Robert Mackenzie

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie                    for David Martin

 

Lochs crushed GA United 8-0 in Gairloch on Saturday to make the last four of the Highland Amateur for the 5^th time in eight seasons. This is an excellent level of consistency that few Highland teams have matched over the last decade. In that semi they will be taking on Golspie Stafford in Culbokie on Sat. 24^th July with a 12.30pm kick off.

 

Lochs had a full strength side to take on GA United in Gairloch at Glebe Park on Saturday. Only Roddy Morrison, who is now working off shore, was missing from the squad. With a very strong wind blowing down the pitch, and behind GA United in the first half, Lochs took the game to the Wester Ross side and created seceral good early chances. David Martin and Peter Mackenzie managed to find space on the flanks despite playing on a very small tight field. In the early stages GA United keeper Elder was a match for the Lochs thrusts at goal and also Peter Mackenzie blazed an effort over the bar from close range. Lochs did take the lead when David Macmillan headed home a Nommie corner and doubled that lead when another corner from Nommie was played cleverly to the edge of the penalty box where Robert Mackenzie met it and thundered an unstoppable shot past keeper Elder from about 20yds. GA United were combative in the middle of the park, strong at the back but had no punch in attack and failed to trouble the Lochs rearguard too often.

 

H.T. 0-2

 

With wind advantage in the second half Lochs continued to pressurize the GA United goal. David Martin added a third and Andy curled a delightful drive into the keeper’s top right hand corner to make it four. Lochs were now flying and their play brought back memories of previous Highland Amateur campaigns in 2003 and 2005. They dominated play with some delightful one touch football that the Gairloch side could not cope with. David Macmillan made it 5-0 from the penalty spot after Lava had been manhandled to the ground on the edge of the box. Tippex blasted in the 6^th, Lava scored the 7^th and to finish off the scoring David Macmillan completed his hat trick with a lovely free kick that he sent around the defensive wall and beat the goalie at his left hand post.

 

A fine Lochs performance in which they dominated play for long spells of the game and secured their place in the Cup semi-finals.

 

 

The following fans were in Gairloch for the game

 

Robbie Mackenzie                    Manager                                   Leurbost

Angus Nicolson                        Asst. Manager                          Leurbost

Diane Murray                           Peter Mackenzie’s girlfriend      Back

John Macdonald                       Rusty                                        Leurbost

Ian Macaskill                            Iain Tuigs                                  Leurbost

Hector Maclean                        Hector Nanny                           Leurbost

Alistair Macleod                       Alistair Hearach                        Leurbost

Duncan Macleod                      Duncan Norman                       Leurbost

Duncan Maclean                       Duncan Twinny                 Leurbost

Calum Mackinnon                    Calum Challa                     Leurbost

Robbie Macrae                                                                        Leurbost

Donald Macdonald                   DABS                                    Ranish

Angus Smith                             Karachi                                  Leurbost

John Morrison                          John Uig                                Uig

Murdo Iain Macleod                                                                 Stornoway

John Berry                                                                                 Garyvard

Donald Macinnes                      Dodo Scobbie                     Crossbost

Calum Murdo Mackenzie                                                         Leurbost

Angela Mackay

Roseanne Macleod                                                                 Leurbost

James Mackinnon                                                                    Ranish

Annie Macdonald                     Cllr Annie                               Laxay

Willie Reid                                                                                Ranish

Alex Macintosh                                                                        Grimshader

Christine Mackenzie                                                              Crossbost

DR Mackenzie                                                                       Crossbost

Angus Morrison                        Roddy’s father

Alan Mackenzie                        Piseag                                    Leurbost

Iain Scott Mackenzie                                                                Leurbost

Murdina Mackenzie                                                                  Leurbost

Donna Macmillan                      Robert’s girlfriend            Laxdale

Maureen Campbell                                                               Crossbost

Alyth Campbell                                                                       Crossbost

Cameron Campbell                                                              Crossbost

(The Campbells were on holiday in Gairloch)

Alan Macleod   and sister                                                          Ness   

(Alan was on holiday in Gairloch at his sister’s)

 

This gave a total party of 51

Game 16                      28^th June 2010         

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

Cameron Houston

Alex “Tippex” Maciver, Graeme Mackenzie, Ally Mackenzie.

Peter Mackenzie, David Macmillan, Roddy Morrison, Robert Mackenzie, David Martin.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald.

 

Subs

Craig Maclean                                         for David Martin

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie                    not used

Calum Campbell                                   for Roddy Morrison

 

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

David Black.

Ali Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Alex “Tippex” Maciver.

Peter Mackenzie, David Macmillan, Roddy Morrison, Robert Mackenzie, David Martin.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald.

 

Subs

Cameron Houston                for David Black

Gordon Maciver                     for Donald “Nommie” Macdonald

Calum Campbell                  for Alex “Tippex” Maciver.

 

Lochs maintained their push for the League title with a comprehensive 9-0 victory over United at Sgoil nan Loch. They took the field without midfielder Andy Murray who was in Paris with the Nicolson Institute. Otherwise the team was at full strength. 

 

An early goal from David Macmillan set them on their way and from that point on they tore United apart making fans think they had been transported back to 2005 or 2006. The second goal was indeed a landmark one. It was Lava’s 350^th goal for the club. I feel confident now we can call him Lochs’ top goal scorer of all time. This achievement was marked at the end of the match when he was presented with a trophy on behalf of the club by John “Uig” Morrison who has not been able to play this season due to injury. Roddy Morrison hit number three before Lava got his second of the game just before half time.

 

H.T. 4-0

 

Cameron Houston took over in goals for the second half but had very little to do as Lochs continued to dominate proceedings creating chances at will. David Macmillan made it 5-0 before debutant Calum Campbell made his Lochs debut a goalscoring one for the 6^th goal. We were then treated to a David Martin hat trick to round of the scoring.

 

Well done lads, a great performance.

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

David Black

Ali Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Alex “Tippex” Maciver.

Roddy Morrison, Andy Murray, Robert Mackenzie, David Macmillan, Peter Mackenzie.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald.

 

Subs

Cameron Houston                                            not used

Craig Maclean                                                  not used

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie                                not used

Ali Macdonald                                      not used

Jonathan Smith                                     not used

 

Sgoil nan Loch was the setting for this Highland Amateur Cup 3^rd Round match between Lochs and Blackrock Rovers. This was a rematch as the sides had met at the same stage in Evanton in 2005 with Lochs winning 4-2.

 

The Blackrock side brought with them a good record in the Ross-Shire League over the last few seasons where they have won plenty silverware. They also brought with them two amateur football supporters who had made their way from Preston in Lancashire to watch the game. They supported neither team but just follow amateur football. That is something for those on the Isle of Lewis who do not go to support their local teams to think about!

 

Despite Lochs starting brightly it was Blackrock that took the lead when the ball was cleverly headed into the Lochs net at the back post by Sutherland following a deep cross from the right hand side. A stunned Lochs took a while to come to terms with the aggressive Blackrock play but equalized from the penalty spot on the half hour when David Macmillan converted the spot kick after Roddy had been upended in the penalty box by keeper Maitland. Lochs had further chances to take the lead when David Macmillan drove wide and Nommie volleyed over the bar. Lochs were lucky to escape when Graeme, trying to deal with a dangerous ball into the box, sliced his clearance against his own crossbar.

 

This match was proving to be a real clash of styles. Blackrock were very physical, solid in the challenge and very dangerous on the break. Meanwhile Lochs were trying to play their usual expansive passing game.

 

H.T. 1-1

 

Into the second half and Lava made it 2-1 for Lochs who seemed to have taken control of the game. But back came The Rocks to equalize through a penalty in 63 minutes. With ten minutes left Lava secured the win for Lochs and could have made it 4-2 were it not for the acrobatics of Maitland in the Blackrock goals.

 

(I am sorry for the brevity of this report. This was a very tense, tight affair and you could not take your eye of the play for a second.) 

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

David Black

Ali Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Alex “Tippex” Maciver.

Roddy Morrison, David Macmillan, Robert Mackenzie, Peter Mackenzie, David Martin.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald.

 

Subs

Cameron Houston                                not used

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie                    for Alex “Tippex” Maciver

Andy Murray                                        for David Martin

 

Two nights after knocking United out of the Jock Stein Lochs took on Stornoway rivals Aths at Goathill in the semi final of the cup. Andy Murray again started on the bench but otherwise the team was at full strength. Aths began the brightest and on the 10^th minute mark Scott Maciver rattled a drive of the Lochs bar with keeper Black beaten. This was just a warning as in 13 minutes the Stornoway side took the lead when Mark Maciver fired a left foot drive high into the Lochs net. This was followed up by a shot from Ali Walker which went just wide of the Lochs goal.

 

On 13 minutes Lochs equalized when, from a Nommie cross, Lava headed towards goal the keeper saved but the big Lochs striker was on hand to net the rebound. This was his 16^th goal of the season and his 347^th career goal for Lochs. However, Aths still played the better football and were much more dangerous than Lochs at this stage in the game. Yet it was Lochs that took the lead in 33mins when Roddy Morrison fired home from a David martin cross. Lochs had a chance to extend that lead but Lava headed over the bar from a David Macmillan cross.

 

H.T. 1-2

 

Into the second half and Lochs had to bring on Peter “Robbie” for Alex “Tippex”. Chances were created at both ends but it was all a side show preparing us for the last ten minutes of the game. We reached the 83^rd minute Lochs 2-1 up and looking in control when Ali Walker picked the ball up inside his own half. There was a clear suspicion of handball about his control of the ball initially but following that he ran about 40yds before rifling the ball low past the Lochs keeper Black and into the net to tie up the match. Stunned by this goal Lochs charged forward into attack. It took a real moment of brilliance to clinch the tie. From midfield Lava played a ball wide on the right to Nommie who cut across the park and fired a left foot drive from about 25yds into the postage stamp top left hand corner of the Aths goal to seal the victory. A goal fit to win any game and a real contender for goal of the season. The game however was to end on a bizarre note. David Macmillan played Andy through in the Aths six yard box. He shimmied past two defenders along the goal line before cutting the ball back to Lava who turned and drove it towards goal. It was stopped on the line by an Aths defender and the linesman gave a penalty. The referee who was well positioned saw the incident but blew for full time. I suppose it did not really matter in the end that he decided not to award the penalty but rather blow for time, still a strange decision with which to end the cup tie.

 

The final is due to be played on Friday 16^th July at Goathill against Back.

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

David Black

Ali Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Alex “Tippex” Maciver.

Kenneth Nicolson, David Macmillan, Peter Mackenzie, Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie, David Martin.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald.

 

Subs

Robert Mackenzie                                            for Kenneth Nicolson

Cameron Houston                                            not used

Gordon Maciver                                               for David Martin

Andy Murray                                                    for Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

James Mackinnon                                             not used

 

Lochs and United locked horns again tonight, this time in the first round of the JSC. Lochs had Robert and Andy on the bench following a hard Lewis Select weekend in Skye but David Black was back in goals. Missing also was Roddy Morrison who was at work on the mainland. United had young keeper MacPhee back in goal for this tie.

 

The first half did not produce a great deal of goalmouth action despite Lochs having most of the possession. The best chances they created came from a Peter “Robbie” drive that just went over the crossbar, a Peter Mackenzie effort that went over the bar following a Nommie cross from a David Martin through ball and a Lava effort that brought a good save from keeper MacPhee. Three times Lochs keeper Black was called into action and on all occasions he proved to be up to the job. On one occasion he had to dive smartly to cut out a Munro cross ball and then look lively to stop the second attempt on goal.

 

United were well organized and Jason Macleod at centre back and Martin Macphee in goal were their top performers. Lochs had possession but lacked the zip and zest they usually have when going forward and made hard work of breaking down the United rearguard.

 

H.T. 0-0

Into the second half and Lochs were back in possession but still not finding their cutting edge. You felt it would take a moment of genius to break the deadlock, instead it took a moment of luck. Robert fired in a tremendous drive that hit off Lava’s chest and deflected into the net, 1-0 to Lochs. With Andy now on the field Lochs created several chances with some clever passing moves involving Nommie, Andy, David Macmillan and Robert but the tie was not safe until Nommie hit a second goal to make the final score 2-0 for Lochs.

 

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

Cameron Houston

Alex “Tippex” Maciver, Ally Mackenzie, Peter Mackenzie.

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie, David Macmillan, Roddy Morrison, Andy Murray, David Martin.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Robert Mackenzie.

 

Subs

Craig Maclean                          for David Martin

Roddy Nicolson                       for Don “Lava” Macleod

James Mackinnon                     for Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie.

 

Lochs and United took the field at Goathill Park in this rearranged Highland Amateur Cup 2^nd Round tie on Wednesday 2^nd June. The game was originally scheduled for Saturday 29^th May but was postponed due to the death of Ivor Munro the father of United manager Angus “Shorty” Munro. Lochs fans will recall that Shorty played for Lochs in the 1990’s and was in fact top goalscorer for Lochs in 1997 with 16 goals. On behalf of the club could I express my condolences to Angus and the rest of the Munro family.

 

Lochs were without Nommie and Graeme but welcomed back David Martin who had missed the last couple of games due to work commitments. Cameron Houston was in goals as David Black was working on the mainland.

 

United began brightly and forced two free kicks and a corner before Lochs carved out the first chance of the night when a David Martin through ball was crossed into the centre by Lava but Roddy Morrison was foiled by the United keeper as he tried to find the net. On 15mins a Lava cross was fumbled by the United keeper but a defender cleared before Lochs could pounce. Tippex played two excellent through balls beyond the United defence but Lochs attackers failed to take advantage of them. On 20mins a David Macmillan drive was punched away by the United keeper. On the half hour Lochs took the lead when Robert Mackenzie bundled a cross from his brother Peter under the keeper and into the United net. Within 5mins United were level. The referee awarded United a penalty which Cameron Houston saved and Peter Mackenzie bundled the rebound away for a corner. From the resulting corner a United player rose unchallenged to head the ball into the Lochs net and level the scoring.

 

H.T. 1-1

 

The second half saw Lochs with most of the possession but they looked tired and jaded and lacked the cutting edge necessary to open up the United defence. Lava did have a header saved following an Ally cross, Robert drove wide of the target, Andy turned beautifully with the ball but shot over the bar from the edge of the box and David Macmillan drove a weak free kick towards goal but the United keeper easily held the effort. It took a couple of moments of quick thinking from midfield maestro David Macmillan to create the chances from which Lochs won the tie. Firstly a smartly taken free kick was headed home by Lava and then four minutes later another free kick was cleared by the United goalie only for Tippex to rifle the ball home. David Martin hit the side netting from a Lava cutback before Robert made it 4-1 when he finished of some clever play by Andy. A comfortable score line but not a polished performance. Much more difficult opponents await in the draw for Round 3 including Gairloch, Golspie Stafford, Avoch, Blackrock Rovers and Wick Groats.

 

 

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

Cameron Houston

Ali Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Peter Mackenzie.

Roddy Morrison, Andy Murray, David Macmillan, Robert Mackenzie, Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald.

 

Subs

James Mackinnon                                             not used

Alexander Mackenzie                                       not used

 

First and foremost I am a football fan. Taking notes at games is not always easy. At a match against Back it is well nigh impossible. On Monday night I did not even try. The following report is based on my observations and thoughts about the game and Lochs’ performance.

 

Let’s get the details out of the way first. Ross Hall put Back ahead with a headed goal from a corner in the first half and David Macmillan equalized with a penalty in the second after “Tohan” had brought down “Nommie” in the box.

 

Several people have spoken to me since the game and said what a good advert this was for Lewis football. I certainly agree with them but I have seen Lochs play many better games, games in which they created more chances and also produced a higher standard of football. Yes, against Back and better teams than Back. Still it was a good match.

 

I thought the Back central defensive partnership of Ross Hall and DJ Macdonald was very effective. Ross was excellent in the air, comfortable on the ball and a danger going forward. DJ marked Nommie very well, which is not an easy thing to do. Two very good young players.

 

The Lochs midfield pairing of Andy and David Macmillan was very good and on this occasion was not cancelled out by their Back counterparts of Inny Red and Ewen Moley. Inny and Ewen played well, but I think the Lochs pairing had the edge.

 

Young Cameron Houston did well in the Lochs goal. His inexperience led to one or two mistakes but how is a player to learn but through his mistakes. Well done Cameron.

 

Lochs managed to play some good one touch football with good passages of creative play. They did not create all that many clear cut chances but it is always difficult to do so against a team as organized as Back. Back created chances themselves trying to expose Lochs by stretching their defence and playing long balls into space in the Lochs defence.

This did not produce any goals for them but it ensured the game was open and played from end to end of the park. I felt the young Back players did not perform to their potential and the occasion got to them a little apart from Macdonald in defence.

 

The Lochs defence was solid and was aided by Robert Mackenzie playing just in front of the back three.

 

Overall a good game with a draw the fair result.

 

 

David Macmillan, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald, Roddy Morrison

 

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

Cameron Houston

Ali Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Peter Mackenzie.

Roddy Morrison, David Macmillan, Robert Mackenzie, Andy Murray, Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald.

 

Subs

Gordon Maciver                                   not used

Ali Macdonald                                     not used

Christie Campbell                              not used

 

While the rest of the Co-op Cup Round 1 matches were inter island games the only all Lewis fixture took place in Carloway where Lochs were the visitors. Carloway took the field without Domhnall Mackay, Andrew “Tago” and Kenny Maclennan while Lochs were without David Black and David Martin. A stiff wind blew down the pitch aiding Carloway in the first half.

 

Carloway certainly did not seem to need any wind assistance as they took the fight to Lochs in the opening minutes. Chris Macleod, Dan Crossley, Murdo “Squeg”,Gordon “Tago” and Donnie Macphail (4 of these former Lochs players) took control of the game and not only closed Lochs down in midfield but proceeded to create openings and chances for Carloway. They had good possession and put the Lochs defence under pressure. It was no surprise that within 15mins they were 2 goals up and looking in control of the game. The first came from a Calum Tom header as he forced a corner over the line in a crowded Lochs box and the second from a strong Donnie Macphail drive which beat keeper Houston in the Lochs goal.

 

Lochs did create chances through a Nommie header, and also a Nommie drive following a 1-2 with Roddy Morrison but Carloway remained in the ascendency. Cameron Houston reacted smartly to tip a Calum Tom free kick over the bar on 20mins and then in 22mins Carloway could easily have gone 3 up. Gordon Tago unleashed a tremendous free kick which beat the Lochs rearguard but rebounded back off the keeper’s right hand post. 

 

Lochs had some chances before the break when Lava fired over from a corner as did David Macmillan and also Roddy Morrison headed a David Macmillan free kick over the crossbar. However, half time came with Carloway deservedly ahead two goals to nil.

 

H.T. 2 v 0

 

Into the second half and Lochs were on the attack from the kick off in an effort to pull back the two goal defecit. Chances fell to Nommie, Lava and Andy in the first ten minutes of the half but we had to wait till the 60^th minute before Lochs found the net.  When it did come it was from a David Macmillan free kick from outside the box which beat keeper Mackenzie in the Carloway goal. The on 65mins Nommie got a deserved second to equalize as Lochs began to take control of the game. Then Lava hit the post with a crashing header from a Nommie cross and Carloway held on to their lead. Lochs could have taken the lead during this passage of play but Roddy Morrison headed over the bar from a long kick out from keeper Houston and following a Lochs corner Carloway cleared the ball off the goal line.

 

With ten minutes left Lochs took a 3-2 lead when Roddy Morrison bravely heade home a Lava cross ball and the game looked secure for the Maroons. Two chances fell to Nommie and Andy which could have secured the win but Gordon Mackenzie saved both pulling off a marvelous save from Andy Murray’s header. With the game in injury time Kevin Macleod made a great run down the right wing for Carloway beat the Lochs defence and sent the ball tantalizingly across the Lochs goal. There at the back post was Donnie Macphail to head home the equalizer. Shortly afterwards the final whistle blew and as is normal in the Co-op Cup format the game went directly to penalties. Graeme Mackenzie hit the post with the first effort for Lochs, Carloway netted all their spot kicks and despite Robert, David Macmillan and Lava scoring for Lochs Carloway went through 5-3 on penalties.

 

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

Cameron Houston

Ally Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Peter Mackenzie.

Roddy Morrison, David Macmillan, Robert Mackenzie, Andy Murray, David Martin.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald.

 

Subs

Gordon Maciver                                      for Don “Lava” Macleod

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie                    for Roddy Morrison

Ali Macdonald                                         for David Martin

 

Lochs and Harris took the field on a cold blustery evening at Sgoil nan Loch for this League encounter. With mugs, soup, rolls, tea, coffee and match programmes for sale off the field there was plenty to keep the supporters minds’ of the weather. However, the real entertainment was provided on the park as Lochs scored their highest total so far this season and secured all three points on a high scoring night in Lewis football.

 

Both sides started brightly with Harris matching Lochs in the middle of the park and creating some chances of their own through Calum Smith, Ali Koch and John Sutton. However, it was Lochs who took the lead when David Martin headed home following a clever interchange of passes between himself and Nommie. Roddy Morrison doubled this lead when he rifled home a near post drive. By half time Lochs were in control of the match. With David Macmillan and Andy Murray controlling midfield and ensuring a constant supply of chances for the strikers, Nommie and Lava terrorizing the Harris rearguard of Cherry, Taz and Kyle and the Lochs defence secure, half time approached with Lochs in command and up 2-0.

 

This poor reporter (who probably should not have been at the game anyway) then left his position on the touchline to sell match programmes to the assembled fans. By the time he got back to his usual position Nommie had netted his first of the season with an overhead kick and Lava had run a mock scoring a hat-trick to make the score 6-0 for Lochs. This took Lava’s total so far this season to an incredible 13 in 8 games.

 

The final two goals came from Nommie and Robert who rounded off the evenings scoring. A comfortable win for Lochs, three vital points to keep them at the top of the table and good preparation for two hard matches to come against Carloway in the Co-op Cup on Friday and Back in the League on Monday.                                 

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

David Black

Ally Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Peter Mackenzie.

Roddy Morrison, Robert Mackenzie, David Macmillan, Andy Murray, David Martin.

Donald “Nommie” Macdonald, Don “Lava” Macleod.

 

Subs

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie                                for Andy Murray

Ali Macdonald                                                     not used

Alex “Tippex” Maciver                                        not used

Cameron Houston                                            not used

 

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

David Black.

Ally Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Alex “Tippex” Maciver.

Roddy Morrison, David Macmillan, Robert Mackenzie, Peter Mackenzie, David Martin.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald.

 

Subs

Cameron Houston                                 not used

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie                    for David Martin

Andy Murray                                        Alex “Tippex” Maciver

Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie                  not used

Craig Maclean                                       for Donald “Nommie” Macdonald

 

Garrabost was the venue for Lochs 4^th League game of the season. A cold blustery wind blowing diagonally across the pitch met the sides as they took the field. Lochs had David Martin and Tippex back with Andy on the bench. Point fielded a young side with several new faces on show.

 

Lochs started briskly and took the lead in 3mins through an unusual set of circumstances. Alex Wright in the Point goal fumbled a David Macmillan free kick and Ally Mackenzie was on hand to stick the ball into the net. Lochs created several good chances and doubled their lead in 16mins when Lava scored to finish of a brilliant passing move involving Ally, Graeme, Nommie and David Macmillan. At this stage Lochs were in total control and playing some excellent football that combined possession, pressure, width, first time passing, composure on the ball and a hunger to play for each other. They could have finished Point off in the first half but the closest they came was a Robert Mackenzie drive that went over the bar and a Lava header that went just past the post. Then, much against the run of play, Point got a goal back when a looping cross seemed destined to go past the goal but a Point striker beat Black to the ball and headed it back across goal and into the net. They could have had another as we neared half-time but for the linesman’s flag for offside.

 

H.T. 1-2

 

Point began more brightly in the second half but did not pose any serious threat to the Lochs goal. Lochs continued to apply pressure and create chances. A move involving Graeme, Peter Mackenzie and Nommie ended with the latter finishing weakly. Then on 60 mins Lava scored again when he converted a Nommie cross to make it 3-1 for Lochs.

Andy came on for the last half hour and seems to be returning to fitness. Overall it was en excellent team performance and so we now set sail for Uist and the 1^st Round of the Highland Amateur against Benbecula on May 8^th.

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

David Black.

Ali Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Peter Mackenzie.

Roddy Morrison, Robert Mackenzie, David Macmillan, Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie, Craig Maclean.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald.

 

Subs

Cameron Houston                                 not used

Christie Campbell                                 for Craig Maclean

James Mackinnon                                 not used

Andy Murray                                        for Donald “Nommie” Macdonald

 

The only significant change to the Lochs line up from Friday night was that Nommie was back in attack. Andy was on the bench and Nipper was unavailable, otherwise the side was as usual. Back started without Kevin Bloxy but had Euan Moley back in midfield.

 

Both sides forced corners without creating real clear cut chances in the opening minutes. The best fell to Back from a Jason Macleod cross from the right which was headed wide of the goal. Back were successfully using the full width of the pitch and stretching the Lochs defence with Jason Macleod particularly dangerous. Midway through the first half Robert Mackenzie did attempt to free Nommie down the left hand side but his ball was over hit and went out of play.

 

Back took the lead in 25 mins. The goal was created on their right hand side wnd Chris Adams drove a low ball towards goal that beat Black at his near post. Lochs had a chance to level the scoring but David Macmillan’s drive was held by Back keeper Maciver. Then from a Jason Macleod cross Innes Campbell headed over the bar for Back’s best chance to increase their lead. 

 

At this stage Back were sharper and made the better chances. Fraser Macleod and Martin Maclean were very lively in attack and midfield respectively, Euan Moley and Inny Red played solidly in midfield and DJ Macdonald and Ross Hall were controlling Lava and Nommie. Jason Macleod was also extremely dangerous down the Back right flank.

 

As half time approached more chances were created. A Back corner came back off the post, at the other end Ally Mackenzie drove wide and Ross Hall drove a free kick well over the bar.

 

H.T. 1-0

 

Into the second period and Lochs were instantly on the attack. Lava drove a shot wide as did Robert Mackenzie before another of his efforts was well saved by Maciver for Back. From an Ally Mackenzie cross Lava headed goalwards but his effort was cleared. Then on 64mins Lochs equalized. A Nommie corner was flicked across goal by Roddy and Lava headed the ball into the net. David Macmillan then drove a free kick over the bar and Lochs looked more likely to score. By the 75^th minute Back had a spell of good control of the game with good possession and pressure but could not capitalize. Ross Hall drove a free kick over the bar. Into the closing minutes of the 90 and Lochs looked the more likely again. The best opportunity came 5mins into stoppage time when David Macmillan fired a vicious drive just inches over the crossbar. But with no more scoring it was on to extra time.

 

The key moment that took Back into the final came 10 minutes into the first period. Robert Mackenzie brought down Euan Moley in the box and Fraser Macleod netted the resulting penalty. Both teams created chances but no more were taken and so it is Back that go forward to meet Athletic in the Acres Cup Final in May.

 

Booked:

 

Lochs                           Graeme Mackenzie

Back                             Chris Adams and Fraser Macleod

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

David Black

Ally Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Peter Mackenzie.

Roddy Morrison, Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie, Robert Mackenzie, David Macmillan, Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Craig Maclean.

 

Subs

Joshua Trivett                           not used

Tormod Macleod                     not used

James Mackinnon                     not used

Christie Campbell                     not used

 

Lochs took the field on Friday night in Barvas to face the West Side in the League without Andy(knee injury), David Martin(toe injury), Alex Tippex(groin op) and Nommie(missing in Amsterdam!!). Normally this is a difficult away game, without key players in would surely be even more difficult than usual. The pitch seemed quite soft from my vantage point on the touchline and the grass was strangely long!

 

West Side forced the play in the early stages and won two corners but any danger was cleared by Graeme Mackenzie at the heart of the Lochs defence. Lochs replied with a clever ball played through the West defence by Nipper but Robert Mackenzie was solidly tackled before he could strike for goal. On 13 mins Lochs were awarded a penalty when Robert Mackenzie was adjudged to have been fouled in the box. Craig Maclean, who converted against United on Monday night, stepped up again but this time his shot was saved by the West Side keeper.

 

In classic fashion West scored almost immediately after they were let off the hook when a Colin George Morrison shot/cross evaded the Lochs defence and curled into the net at the back post. It took Lochs only until the 24^th minute to equalize when Lava converted a clever cross ball from Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie.

 

DJ Clinton was proving a handful for the Lochs rearguard and on the half hour he was fouled by Peter Mackenzie near the edge of the box. The resulting free kick was easily held by Black in the Lochs goal. The “skill moment” of the night then came on 32mins when Peter Mackenzie, on one of his rampaging runs into the heart of the West defence, almost lost control of the ball but managed to flick it over his head and back into his path from behind him in Messi style before lashing a vicious shot which the West keeper parried away for a corner. Roddy Morrison was beginning to have some success down the right wing and one of his crosses hung invitingly in the air in the West penalty box but no Lochs player was on hand to take advantage. Chances were created at both ends but we reached the half way stage with the score at one each.

 

H.T. 1-1

 

West Side came out fighting at the start of the second half and from a free kick Scott Graham scored to but his side 2-1 ahead. Lochs then created chances. The West keeper fumbled a Lava cross and the resulting corner led to a scramble in the goalmouth but Lochs could not take advantage. Then in the 51^st minute David Macmillan converted Lochs’ second penalty award of the night to make the score 2-2. This resulted from a clumsy challenge in the West box. On 55 mins Lochs took the lead when Lava cleverly chipped the keeper and found the net off the post. On 65 mins David Macmillan scored a delightful goal from a free kick, driving the ball up and over the wall and down and into the net a skill he has made his trademark this season. In the 75^th minute Graeme Mackenzie was booked for a heavy challenge outside the Lochs penalty box. 

 

Few spectators expected what transpired in the next five minutes. First Spike and then DJ Clinton netted to make the score 4-4 and put West Side back in the game. Then with ten minutes left came what was for me the most extraordinary moment in an extraordinary game. Craig Maclean was set free on the Lochs left and executed a perfect chip to beat the West goalie. The ball then hit both posts before trickling away from the West Side goal. Was it to end in a draw? No. From an 89^th minute corner Lava rose to head the ball into the net and secure the points for Lochs. Lochs then had to survive five extra minutes of play and in the last of them Roddy Morrison bravely got his head to a cross ball into the Lochs goal area to clear for a corner in the last action of a pulsating match.

 

Booked: Lochs, Graeme Mackenzie

 

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

Cameron Houston

Ally Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Peter Mackenzie.

Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie, Robert Mackenzie, David Macmillan, Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie, Craig Maclean.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald.

 

Subs

David Martin                                not used

James Mackinnon                     not used

Gordon Maciver                    for Donald “Nommie” Macdonald

 

On a blustery, cold Monday night at Sgoil nan Loch Lochs took on United in the quarter final of the Acres Boys Club Cup. The team was slightly changed from Friday night. David Martin was still out and he was joined on the injured list by Andy Murray and Roddy Morrison. David was on the bench and the two vacancies were filled by Craig Maclean and debutant Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie who both played in the wing back berths with Peter “Robbie” moving to central midfield.

 

Craig Maclean made a bright, lively start to the game and twice got behind the United defense down the left wing in the opening minutes and put teasing balls into the box but nobody was able to take advantage of the opportunities created. With United playing a very high line in defense Lochs were frequently caught offside in the opening exchanges. On 15mins Nommie created the first real chance of the match but MacPhee in the United goal pulled of an excellent save diving to his right to keep the scores level. In the 20^th min Nommie played a clever ball across the 6yd box but Lava could not finish. On the half hour Robert Mackenzie played a lovely ball into the United box which Lava brought down on his chest, pivoted and hit for goal but the ball went just over the bar. Five minutes before half-time a handball in the United box gave Lochs a penalty which Craig Maclean converted. This was no more than the sides play, and especially Craig’s, deserved. A minute later, Lochs could have doubled that lead when David Macmillan sent a header wide of the goal from a Graeme Mackenzie free kick. United were compact and well organized under the management of DJ Smith but had no real penetration up front. The defense was well organized but the midfield could not cope with the variety in the Lochs’ play.

 

H.T. 1-0

 

Into the second half and play continued much as before with Lochs pressing and United containing. My “skill moment” of this match came from Nommie who cleverly slipped past a defender on the touchline and cut the ball back to David Macmillan who drove it over the bar. On the 57^th min Houston in the Lochs goal had his first nervy moment when a drive bobbled up in front of him but he managed to grab the ball at the second attempt.

 

Lochs doubled their lead on the 60^th minute when Robert Mackenzie bulleted home a David Macmillan corner. Lochs began to dominate play at this stage and MacPhee saved well from Lava after Craig Maclean had sent the ball cleverly through the United defense. Lava then continued to threaten when his low drive hit the post. Lochs went 3-0 ahead when a Nommie cross was turned into his own net by a United defender. Lava finished off the scoring with a richly deserved 4^th for Lochs to round off the entertainment for the night. Well done Lochs. Now it’s Back at Upper Coll next Monday.

 

 

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

David Black

Ally Mackenzie, Graeme Mackenzie, Peter Mackenzie.

Roddy Morrison, Andy Murray, Robert Mackenzie, David Macmillan, Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald.

 

Subs

Cameron Houston                    not used

Gordon Maciver                         not used

Christie Campbell                     not used

Joshua Trivett                             not used

 

Lochs continued their defence of the League title with a hard fought 2-1 win over Athletic at Goathill last Friday night. Graeme Mackenzie was back in the side at sweeper but David Martin was missing due to a foot injury picked up in the win against Ness. Otherwise the side was unchanged from the first match.

 

Lochs started brightly with Lava and Nommie creating chances but not taking them. The best of these came from a Nommie drive which the keeper smothered at the near post. They took the lead in 9mins when Lava pounced on a David Macmillan through ball and smashed it high into the Aths net from the right hand side of the box. A Graeme Mackenzie pass brought Lava into the game again shortly after the goal but his effort brought a good save from keeper Macritchie in the Athletic goal. 

 

At the other end Aths were dangerous with Robert Jones and Ali Walker a constant threat to the Lochs rearguard. Scott Maciver was quieter than usual probably due to the close attention from Ally Mackenzie his annual nemesis. From a thrust down the Aths right a a clever cross ball into the box David Black was called into action and made a good double save to clear the danger. In the 17^th minute Nommie, having gone on one of his mazy crossfield runs, was brought down inside the box but the challenge was adjudged to have been fair by referee Ewen Macaskill.

 

Lochs produces some good passages of play without any real threat to the Aths goal and the Black and Whites of Athletic were dangerous on the break. One such break was halted on the edge of the Lochs box by a crushing Robert Mackenzie tackle. The closest Lochs came to adding to their lead was a David Macmillan free kick which went close but in the end went over the crossbar. The first half petered out with no more real chances being created at either end.

 

H.T. 0-1

 

Aths began the second period brightly and David Black had to be lively to hold onto an Ali Walker cut back which went dangerously across the Lochs goal mouth. Macritchie in the Aths goal dealt comfortably with an Andy Murray free kick on 55 minutes. Lochs were fortunate to have Graeme back in the centre of the defence for this game, he was steady as a rock as usual and prevented an Aths attack leading to a threat on goal in 57 mins with a typically crunching tackle. The “skill moment” of the evening came from Andy Murray on the 60^th minute when he back heeled a clever ball to Lava whose cross was missed by David Macmillan. Roddy Morrison was having some success down the right flank and on 62 mins his cross field ball was met by Robert Mackenzie who fired it over the crossbar.  Clear cut chances were few and far between but on 82 mins from an Aths corner on their left Scott Maciver rose to meet the ball and his header came back of the post. Lochs then seemed to put the game out of reach in 85 mins when Robert Mackenzie fired home a powerful drive from the edge of the box which keeper Macritchie had no chance of saving. He could have added another when he pounced on a ball from Roddy Morrison but this time Macritchie was up to the task and saved his drive. In the 89^th min, after sloppy defending by Lochs, Aths pulled a goal back which made the time added on a nervous period for Lochs before referee Macaskill blew to end the match and the three points were secure for the Maroons.   

 

 

 Lochs 1 v 0 Ness      League (H)

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

David Black

Peter Mackenzie, Ali Mackenzie, Roddy Morrison.

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie, David Macmillan, Robert Mackenzie, Andy Murray, David Martin.

Don “Lava” Macleod, Donald “Nommie” Macdonald.

 

Subs

Christie Campbell                  Not used

Joshua Trivett                          Not used

Gordon Maciver                       for Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie (89^th min)

Ali Macdonald                          for David Martin (80^th min)

 

Lochs began the defence of their League title with a home match against Ness on Friday April 9^th. A good crowd turned up on a dry if cold evening at Sgoil nan Loch to support the side as they kicked off the 2010 season.

 

Before the game started two significant events took place. Firstly, Lochs manager Robbie Mackenzie was presented with a plaque by Kenny Maciver, Chair of the Lewis and Harris Football Association, to mark Lochs’ 75^th Anniversary. Then both sets of players, match officials and supporters observed a minute’s silence in memory of Domhnall Martin the former Lochs player who passed away in December of 2009. The occasion was impeccably observed by all present and was a fitting tribute to a popular Lochs player.

 

Lochs began the game on the offensive and created several good chances. The best of these fell to Don Lava but his header from a Peter Robbie cross just missed the target. On 7mins Lochs were awarded a penalty when Peter Mackenzie was tripped in the box by a Ness defender but Don Lava’s spot kick was well saved by Sweeney in the Ness goal. Ness had their first opportunity on 17mins when lee Johnson’s shot was held by Black in the Lochs goal. Lochs continued to dominate and Sweeney was on hand to save shots from Don Lava and Nommie to keep the scoresheet blank. Ness were still dangerous on the break with Andrew Macleod and Lee Johnson combining well but not being able to really trouble Lochs keeper David Black. Before the break Lochs created several more good chances. The best of these fell to Don Lava, Andy Murray and David Macmillan but they were either off the target or keeper Macsween was equal to the challenge.

 

H.T.     0-0

 

Into the second half and the pattern of the game continued as before, Lochs doing all the pressing and Ness trying to attack on the break. David martin had the first opportunity of the half when he drove the ball into the side netting from a Nommie corner. Then five minutes into the second half came the goal that was to give Lochs all three points. The referee awarded Lochs a free kick just outside the Ness penalty box. It was taken by David Macmillan who fired the ball up and over the wall and past Sweeney beating the big keeper to his right hand side. Following this goal Lochs continued to dominate play and created more chances but could not take any of them. Robert had a drive well saved by the Ness keeper, twice Andy and Nommie drove clever balls across the Ness six yard box but nobody took advantage, David Martin saw a header going over the bar and from a Nommie corner Peter Mackenzie headed over the bar.

 

Ness did not manage to create as many chances in the second half but 25mins into the second period a good interchange of passes led to substitute Craig Harris having an opportunity which he drove wide of the target. The final whistle sounded with Lochs victorious, dominant in possession and chances created but never comfortable at 1-0.

 

Booked

Lochs: Nommie, Roddy and Peter Mackenzie.

Ness:   Angie Campbell and Kevin Graham