Game 32

 

League                         9.9.11                          Away

 

West Side 2 v 4 Lochs (H.T. 1-0)

Scorers: Lava (2), Alex Tippex and Peter Mackenzie

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Alex “Tippex” Maciver

Graeme Mackenzie

Chris Mackay

 

Peter Mackenzie

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Robert Mackenzie

Calum Mackinnon

Ali Maciver

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nommie” Macdonald

 

Subs

Kenny Nicolson                                                  not used

Danial “Nipper” Mackenzie                              for Calum Mackinnon

Allan Farrell                                                         not used

 

After what was a quiet game against Point in our last home game nobody could have prepared us for the full blooded season ending fixture in Barvas. West Side looked lively in the early stages with several youngsters in the line up along with Dan, Spike and company. Standing out for me was John Campbell who as usual played some silky football. Having taken the lead the Siarachs should have gone two ahead with the move of the match just before the break but the final touch went wide of the Lochs goal. Into the second half and West continued to control the match and when they doubled their lead it looked as if they had the points in the bag. Lochs however came to life and stormed at the West Side goal. Lava pulled one back before Tippex equalised. Peter Mackenzie gave the Maroons the lead before Lava wrapped up the points with Lochs’ fourth goal. In between all the goals and goalmouth incidents there were several bookings as referee Maclean fought to control a very keenly contested match.

Game 31

 

League                         5.9.11              Home

 

Lochs 4 v 2 Point (H.T. 1-1)

Scorers: Lava, Graeme(2), Robert

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Chris Mackay

Graeme Mackenzie

Alex “Tippex” Maciver

 

Kenny Nicolson

Robert Mackenzie

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Peter Mackenzie

Ali Maciver

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

 

Subs

Allan Farrell                                          for Kenny Nicolson

Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie                  for Alex “Tippex” Maciver

 

 

With midges in swarms dominating activity at Sgoil nan Loch, no referee appearing and the c lock ticking on “Neenee” Macleod had to take the whistle as we awaited the arrival of DJ Maclean. With the game only 2 mins old Anthony “Egg” Macleod opened the scoring for the Rudhachs with a drive that the unsighted Houston had no chance with. The game was being played almost as a friendly in the early minutes and Lochs did not come to life until Nomie provided a couple of crosses, one of which Peter Mackenzie should have scored from but he lifted the ball over the bar.  With 25mins played “Neenee” was replaced by DJ Maclean. It took a thunderbolt from Graeme Mackenzie to beat the ever alert Alex Wright and bring the scores level at half time. Into the second period and it was Point who took the initiative and scored again to go ahead 2-1. Lochs came to life and Lava equalised after a period of pressure by Lochs. Alex Wright was in his usual exceptional form and made a brilliant stop from Lava. Graeme Mackenzie made it 3-2 with another vicious drive and Robert completed the scoring near the end of the match. Point had some good chances with the best of them falling to the evergreen Willie Macaulay and Sean and Anthony Macleod but they could not add to their total.

 

So their last game of the season ended in a 4-2 win over Point and Lochs still in the hunt for third place in the League. 

Game 30

 

Lewis-Moldova Cup Final     2.9.11                 Goathill Park

 

Lochs 1 v 2 Back (AET) (H.T. 0-0)

Scorer: Lava

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

Cameron Houston

 

Ali Mackenzie

Alex “Tippex” Maciver

Chris Mackay

 

Peter Mackenzie

Robert Mackenzie

David Macmillan

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Calum Mackinnon

 

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

Don “Lava” Macleod

 

Subs

Gordon Maciver                                   for Calum Mackinnon

Kenny Nicolson                                    not used

Graeme Mackenzie                               for David Macmillan

Allan Farrell                                          not used

Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie                  not used

 

Lochs and Back took the field on a dark and blustery night at Goathill Park to contest the Moldova Cup sponsored by Charlie Nicolson. Lochs were without Graeme Mackenzie, who was away at a wedding but due back on the 7pm plane, and also Ali Maciver who was not available. In a cagey first half both sides had chances but failed to take any. Cameron Houston made one good block in particular and at the other end Calum Mackinnon fired a drive wide of the post. Lochs had some good possession but could not find space in a packed Back defence. Innes Campbell and Martin Maclean were playing well in midfield and DJ Macdonald and Murray Macleod were finding space on the flanks. Lochs were finding it difficult to make links between midfield and attack and only had sporadic attacks on the Back goal.

 

H.T.0-0

 

Into the second half and the same pattern of play continued. Back did take the lead when Fraser Macleod headed a goal that came from a Murray Macleod crossball. This opened the game out more and Lochs took the game to the Blues. Don Lava took advantage of a good through ball to drive the ball into the Back net to equalise. Chances appeared at both ends now. Cameron Houston in the Lochs goal made some excellent saves during this period of the game in particular one from Martin Maclean and near the end of the 90mins from Murray Macleod. The game moved into extra time and during the second period Kevin “Bloxy” Murray won the cup for Back when he drove the ball past Houston in the Lochs goal.

 

On the bright side Cameron Houston was awarded the Man of the Match Trophy for a sterling performance in goal for the Maroons. The Lochies went down but with heads held high.

Game 28

 

Moldova Cup               22.8.11                        Away

 

Ness 0 v 3 Lochs(H.T. 0-1)

Scorers: Lava, Jonathan, Calum Mackinnon

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Chris Mackay

Graeme Mackenzie

Alex “Tippex” Maciver

 

Roddy Morrison

Peter Mackenzie

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Robert Mackenzie

Ali Maciver

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Jonathan Smith

 

Subs

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald                             for Jonathan Smith

Calum Mackinnon                                            for Roddy Morrison

Gordon Maciver                                               for Chris Mackay

 

 

 

 

Lochs 6 v 1 Harris(H.T.1-1)

Scorers: Lava(2), Alex Tippex, Robert and Jonathan Smith(2)

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Ali Mackenzie

Graeme Mackenzie

Alex “Tippex” Maciver

 

Roddy Morrison

Peter Mackenzie

Robert Mackenzie

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Ali Maciver

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Calum Mackinnon

 

Subs

Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie                              not used

Jonathan Smith                                     for Calum Mackinnon

Gordon Maciver                                               not used

Chris Mackay                                                   for Robert Mackenzie

 

On a wild, wet and windy night Lochs locked horns with Harris in a League

encounter. Lochs took the field without David Macmillan(injury) and Nomie(holiday). However Lava and Peter Mackenzie were back from suspension.

Harris played with the wind behind them in the first half but Lochs still managed to control possession for long stretches of the half. Harris did have a chance in 13 mins but Cameron Houston turned the effort round the post. On 15mins Lava scored from a corner to give Lochs the lead. Harris did begin to take more control of the game as the break approached and John Sutton should have scored with a header. Sutton did equalise for Harris when he netted a rebound from an Alexander Young free kick. This meant the game was tied at the break.

 

Early in the second half Alex Tippex gave Lochs the lead with a header from a corner. Johnny Smith, who came on as a substitute for Calum Mackinnon at half time, made it 3-1 before Lava hit his second. An excellent Johnny Smith second made it 5-1 before Robert Mackenzie rounded off the scoring with a sixth for Lochs from close range. Despite the conditions Lochs played some good football against a resolute Harris side. Johnny Smith had an excellent second half, Lava was constantly dangerous, the defence was strong and Ali Maciver was his usual aggressive self in midfield.

 

 

 

 

Lochs 3 v 1 Ness (H.T. 2-1)

Scorers: Calum Mackinnon (2), Robert Mackenzie

 

Lochs Team (3.5.2)

 

David Black

 

Ali Mackenzie

Graeme Mackenzie

Alex “Tippex” Maciver

 

Roddy Morrison

Peter Mackenzie

David Macmillan

Jonathan Smith

Ali Maciver

 

Robert Mackenzie

Calum Mackinnon

 

Subs

Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie                              for David Macmillan

Kenny Nicolson                                                for Robert Mackenzie

 

 

Lochs 2 v 1 Aths (H.T. 1-0)

Scorers; Robert Mackenzie and David Macmillan

 

Lochs Team(3-5-2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Ally Mackenzie

Graeme Mackenzie

Alex “Tippex” Maciver

 

Calum Mackinnon

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

David Macmillan

Jonathan Smith

Ali Maciver

 

Robert Mackenzie

Danny Mackenzie

 

Subs

 

Alan Farrell                                          not used

Kenny Nicolson                                    for Robert Mackenzie

Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie                  for Calum Mackinnon

 

Lochs were without Lava and Peter Mackenzie for their Rd 2 Moldova Cup tie with Aths at Sgoil nan Loch last night. Both are serving a two match suspension. Nomie is on honeymoon and David Martin is injured. However, we welcomed back long term absentee Robert Mackenzie and also Graeme Mackenzie played to make it three Mackenzie brothers in the line up. Both sides started brightly on a cold night for football. Aths’ main threat was Scott Maciver who was a handful for the Lochs defence as usual. Ali Maciver, playing down the left flank, was in very good form and provided some good balls into the box during the first half. Lochs took the lead when Robert Mackenzie blasted the ball home from close range for his first goal of the season. Lochs were playing into a strong wind in the first half and Cameron Houston was called into action several times to keep Aths at bay. In the second half Lochs doubled their lead when David Macmillan cleverly played a 1-2 to beat the offside trap, found himself 1 on 1 with the goalie and cleverly chipped him for a very well taken goal. Lochs should have taken more advantage of the fact that Colin Macritchie in the Aths goal was badly injured for all of the second period but they seemed unable to hit the target with their shooting. Cameron Houston saved brilliantly from Scott Maciver near the end before Aths did get a consolation goal to make the final score 2-1 to Lochs.

 

 

Point 1 v 3 Lochs (H.T. 0-0)

Scorers; David Macmillan, Ali Maciver and Lava

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Ally Mackenzie

Calum Mackinnon

Peter Mackenzie.

 

Kenneth Nicolson

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

David Macmillan

Jonathan Smith

Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie

 

Danny Mackenzie

Don “Lava” Macleod

 

Sub

Ali Maciver

 

Lochs returned to winning ways and picked up three points away to Point in this rearranged League game. With Graeme, Robert, Tippex, Nomie and David Martin all out it was a young looking side that took the field in Garrabost. The side included Danny Mackenzie making his first appearance of the season for the Maroons. Both sides played some good football in the first half. Point was unlucky not to take the lead when an effort came back of the foot of the post. At the other end Lochs had several good chances but Alex Wright was in his usual form and managed to make goalkeeping look easy. Into the second half and Lochs were on the offensive. They got their reward in the most spectacular fashion. David Macmillan scored with a memorable 25yd drive that beat Wright high to his right at the postage stamp corner of the goal. This was David’s 200^th goal for Lochs an achievement which was marked with him receiving a commemorative plaque from the club after the game. Further goals from Ali Maciver and Lava put the result beyond doubt at 3-0. Point did get a consolation goal in the last minute of the game.

 

United 2 v 0 Lochs (H.T.0-0)

 

Lochs Team (3.5.2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Ally Mackenzie

Alex “Tippex” Maciver

Peter Mackenzie

 

Kenny Nicolson

Jonathan Smith

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Calum Mackinnon

Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Gordon Maciver

 

Sub

David Macmillan                                   for Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

 

This was a very poor performance by Lochs as they went down 2-0 to United. They only managed two shots on target during the whole game and neither of them troubled Gordon Mackenzie in the United goal. The midfield occasionally showed some passing moves but they did not manage to link up with their strikers to any great effect. United were not a great deal better but the inclusion of the Dunn brothers has strengthened the squad and they did deserve their win.

 

Lochs 3 v 0 Harris

Scorers; Peter “Robbie”. Nomie and Alan Farrell

 

Lochs Team (3.5.2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Ally Mackenzie

Alex “Tippex” Maciver

Roddy Morrison

 

Gordon Maciver

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Calum Mackinnon

Peter Mackenzie

Ali Maciver

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

 

Subs

Jonathan Smith                                     for Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Alan Farrell                                                      for Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

 

 

West Side 6 v 6 Lochs (AET)                       (Agg 8 v 8)

Scorers: Lava (3), Calum Tom, Nomie and Ally

(West side won on penalties)

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Ally Mackenzie

Graeme Mackenzie

Calum Tom Moody

 

Callum Masson

David Macmillan

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Peter Mackenzie

Ali Maciver

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

 

Subs

Roddy Morrison                                               for Callum Masson

Jonathan Smith                                                not used

Kenny Nicolson                                                not used

Gordon Maciver                                                for Ali Maciver

Calum Mackinnon                                            not used

 

Athletic 4 v 1 Lochs

Scorer; Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Ally Mackenzie

Graeme Mackenzie

Alex “Tippex” Maciver

 

Roddy Morrison

Peter Mackenzie

David Macmillan

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Jonathan Smith

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

 

Subs

Kenneth Nicolson               for Jonathan Smith

Jamie Macdonald     for Peter“Robbie”Mackenzie

Allan Farrell                         not used

Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie    for Roddy Morrison

 

Lochs 0 v 2 Carloway

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Chris Mackay

Graeme Mackenzie

Ally Mackenzie

 

Peter Mackenzie

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

David Macmillan

Roddy Morrison

Ali Maciver

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

 

Subs

Kenny Nicolson                                                not used

Gordon Maciver            for David Macmillan

Jonathan Smith               not used

Jamie Macdonald           not used

Alex “Tippex” Maciver   for Chris Mackay

 

Lochs 3 v 3 West Side (AET)           (H.T. 0-0)

Lochs won 4-2 on penalties

 

 

Lochs Team(3.5.2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Ali Mackenzie

Graeme Mackenzie

Chris Mackay

 

Jonathan Smith

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Peter Mackenzie

David Macmillan

Ali Maciver

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

 

Subs

David Black                                         not used

Gordon Maciver                                   for Ali Maciver

Alex “Tippex” Maciver             for Chris Mackay

Kenny Nicolson                                    not used

Roddy Morrison                                   for Jonathan Smith

 

After what was a largely unforgettable first half at Goathill Park both sides seemed more interested in winning the Cup at the start of the second period. Few would have anticipated the pulsating finish we had to this match as the second period kicked off. Lochs were the first to strike when a contentious corner kick was awarded to them and Ali Maciver scored direct from the corner beating keeper McPhee at the back post. West Side came storming back and two goals from Scott Graham put the Siarachs in front. As the game raced on it looked as if the West Side was going to hold out and win but David Macmillan had other ideas. He took a free kick from more than 20yds from goal and beat keeper McPhee low to his right to send the game to extra time. West Side dominated the first half of the extra-time and Scott Graham completed his hat trick and gave West the lead when he blasted the ball home after a mix up in the Lochs defence. At the break West Side made two substitutions which did not work out for them. They took on the experienced Ally Williamson and Murchadh Macdonald but they did not reorganize their midfield and attack properly and allowed Lochs to regain control of the game. Although they had chances when their equalizer came it was in strange circumstances. Keeper McPhee, trying to clear the ball hit it off Ali Maciver’s body and it went into the net. This sent the game into the dreaded penalties.

 

This situation always produces heroes and villains and on this night Lochs had a hero in the shape of keeper Cameron Houston. He saved penalties from Dan Macphail and Johnny Wallace while Colin George and Scott Graham scored. Foe Lochs Lava, David Macmillan, Graeme scored before the cup was secured with a spot kick from Peter Mackenzie.

 

Game 17

 

Lochs 2 v 2 West Side (H.T. 1-1)

Scorers; Callum Masson and Don Lava

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Peter Mackenzie

Ali Mackenzie

Roddy Morrison

 

Callum Masson

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Jonathan smith

David Martin

Gordon Maciver

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

 

Subs

 

David Black                        not used

Kenny Nicolson                  for David Martin

Allan Farrell                        not used

Calum “Stoon” Macleod    for Peter Mackenzie

 

Lochs 3 v 2 Back (H.T. 0-1)

Scorers; o.g., Nomie, and Peter Mackenzie

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Peter Mackenzie

Ali Mackenzie

Chris Mackay

 

David Martin

David Macmillan

Calum Mackinnon

Jonathan Smith

Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie

 

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

Joshua Trivett

 

Substitutes

Allan Farrell                              for David Macmillan

Kenny Nicolson                        for Joshua Trivett

 

With continuing injury problems Lochs started this game without Lava and Graeme, ended the match with two 14 year olds playing and took three points from table toping Back. The first half was controlled by a 38 year old, Kevin “Bloxy” Murray who had a superb first 45 mins. He was playing just off the main striker Fraser Macleod in a 4-4-1-1 formation and was creating havoc for the Lochs midfield and defence. His ability to control the ball and distribute it accurately was an object lesson for all young players playing and watching. The only goal of the first half was scored by Fraser Macleod and that was the difference between the sides at the break.

 

Into the second half and Lochs began to take the game more to Back as the Blues seemed to settle back into a more defensive formation and try to hold what they had. Despite that they were dangerous on the break and from a corner they doubled their lead after a mix up in the lochs 6yd box. At this point the game seemed beyond the Lochies. Worse was to come when David Macmillan had to come off the park injured to be replaced by young debutant Allan Farrell. At this stage of the game Lochs began to threaten the Back goal. Waves of attacks poured in on the penalty box and with about ten minutes remaining a cross/shot that came off the bar was headed into his own net by Back defender DJ Macdonald. By this point Lochs were on the rampage and equalized through Nomie Macdonald. With the crowd at fever pitch Lochs forced corner after corner and from one of these Peter Mackenzie headed home to give Lochs all three points. In the midst of the melee the Back keeper Iain Macleod made three fantastic saves the best coming from a seemingly net bound drive from Calum Mackinnon.

 

A fantastic win in one of the games of the season.

 

 

 

 

Back 3 v 4 Lochs (H.T. 1-2)

Scorers: Gordon Maciver, David Martin, Peter “Robbie” and Calum Tom Moody

 

(Aggregate Score 6-6)

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Peter Mackenzie

Calum Tom Moody

Calum Mackinnon

 

Callum Masson

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

David Macmillan

David Martin

Daniel Mackenzie

 

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

Gordon Maciver

 

Subs

Gordon Mackenzie                               not used

Jonathan Smith                                    for David Martin

Kenneth Nicolson                                 for Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

 

Lochs took the field at Upper Coll on Monday night with a barely recognizable line up for the second leg of the Eilean an Fhraoich Cup match against Back. Ali Mackenzie (suspended), Graeme Mackenzie (injury at Island Games), Don Lava (injury at Island Games), Ali Maciver (unavailable) and Robert Mackenzie (long term injury) were all absent. Into the side came several youngsters and players playing elsewhere in Lewis and Harris football. Calum Tom Moody (Carloway) was at centre back as was young Calum Mackinnon from Leurbost, Callum Masson (Harris) and Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie (Welfare) were in midfield and Gordon Maciver partnered Nomie in attack. Johnny Smith and Kenny Nicolson were on the bench. Back also seemed to be at less than full strength with Ross Hall absent as were Martin Maclean and keeper “Tohan”.

 

Back went into the two leg tie with a 3-2 lead from the first leg in Leurbost. This lead was quickly negated when Gordon Maciver pounced on a lose ball in the Back box and slotted it past the keeper. This was after a cleverly worked 1-2 on the right flank involving Nomie and David Martin culminating in Nomie playing a dangerous ball across the Back box. This was young Maciver’s first goal for Lochs. At the other end Cameron Houston was called into action and blocked a venomous shot after a clever through ball which split open the Lochs defence. David Martin added a second for Lochs to make the aggregate score now 4-3 in Lochs’ favour. After a sparkling start by Lochs Back gradually fought their way back into the game and veteran striker Kevin Murray scored following a corner to make the half time score 1-2 and 4-4 on aggregate.

 

Into the second half and the goals kept coming. Kevin “Gogan” Macleod made it 2-2 on the night before Peter “Robbie” restored Lochs’ lead with the pick of their goals a wonderfully hit right foot drive that beat the keeper at his right hand post. Calum Tom scored to put Lochs 4-2 up but DJ Macdonald made it 4-3 and 6-6 on aggregate. Back then had chances to win the match when they hit the post and also when Peter Mackenzie blocked what looked like a net bound effort. Cameron Houston made an excellent save from Murray Macleod and young Calum Mackinnon made a brilliant last ditch tackle to prevent another goal scoring opportunity for the Blues.

 

So with both sides tiring and the aggregate score tied at 6-6 we went into extra time. Both sides had chances to win the game but with tiredness setting in penalties loomed ahead it that was the way the tie was decided. Peter Mackenzie, David Macmillan, Johnny Smith, Nomie and Calum Tom all scored for Lochs. The decisive moment in the shoot out came when Jason Macleod stepped up to take the 4^th spot kick for Back. He sent it high to the keeper’s left but Cameron Houston made a marvellous save. With a combination of 120mins of sheer effort, four goals, five penalties and that penalty save by Cameron, Lochs made it to a semi-final against West Side.  

 

 

 

 

Lochs 2 v 3 West Side (H.T. 0-1)

 

Lochs Team(3-5-2)

Scorers; Lava, David Macmillan

 

Cameron Houston

 

Ally Mackenzie

Graeme Mackenzie

Chris Mackay

 

Gordon Maciver

Roddy Morrison

David Macmillan

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Ali Maciver

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

 

Subs

Kenneth Nicolson                                 not used

Jamie Macdonald                                 for Roddy Morrison

Craig Maclean                                      for Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

 

Coop Cup Rd 2                       18-6-11                       Away

 

West Side 2 v 1 Lochs         (H.T. 1-0)

Scorer: David Martin

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Ally Mackenzie

Graeme Mackenzie

Chris Mackay

 

Ali Maciver

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

David Macmillan

Peter Mackenzie

David Martin

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Gordon Maciver

 

Subs

Craig Maclean                          for David Martin

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie        for Peter Mackenzie

David Black                             not used

 

Eilean an Fhraoich Cup Rd 1 1^st Leg                 13.6.11                        Home

 

Lochs 2 v 3 Back (HT 0-2)

Scorers: Lava, Graeme(pen)

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

Cameron Houston

 

Ali Mackenzie

Graeme Mackenzie

Peter Mackenzie

 

Callum Masson

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

David Macmillan

Calum Mackinnon

Daniel “Nipper” Mackenzie

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Gordon Maciver

 

 

Subs

Iain “Mado” Macleod                                  not used

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie                        for Callum Masson

Kenneth Nicolson                                      not used

 

It was a changed Lochs side that took the field against Back at Sgoil nan Loch on Monday night for the first leg of this Eilean an Fhraoich Cup tie. David Martin and Ali Maciver were both unavailable, David Black had work commitments Chris Mackay was ineligible and Peter “Robbie” was sidelined with flu. That meant that several youngsters played including Cameron in goals Callum Masson, Gordon Maciver and Calum Mackinnon. Daniel Mackenzie also made an Eilean an Fhraoich Cup appearance. Kenneth Nicolson was among the subs as was Ian “Mado” who plays for Harris in the League.

 

A game which will be talked about for three red cards and two penalties should be remembered for some excellent football from both sides. Lochs started the better side with some good passing and movement off the ball with Nomie and David Macmillan prompting the young Lochies into action. Gordon Maciver looked particularly bright in these early stages. However on 20mins it was a not so young 38 year old who scored for Back. Kevin Bloxy won a ball in the box and fired it past Houston in the Lochs goal. He nearly had a chance to make it 2-0 shortly afterwards but was flagged offside. Then came the first of the red cards. Ally Mackenzie made a challenge on the edge of the box that was judged to have been illegal by referee George Macaskill. As he was the last man he was punished with a red card. From the resultant free kick Martin Maclean put Back two goals in front. Chances came and went at both ends but the score stayed the same at the break.

 

H.T. 0-2

 

The drama continued in the second period when Ewen Moley was adjudged to have pushed Lava in the penalty box. A penalty was awarded which Graeme converted and Ewen was issued a red card. As he continued protesting when he left the field he was issued with another red card. Lochs looked to have come back into the match at this point but Back were awarded a penalty which Martin Maclean converted to restore their two goal advantage and make the score 3-1. Lava did score for Lochs with a header following some excellent play from Calum Mackinnon and Gordon Maciver. Kevin Bloxy hit the crossbar and Lava had a goal chalked off for offside but the score stayed the same at the end and so sets up an intriguing 2^nd leg at Upper Coll on July 4^th.

 

Both sides played some very good football. The Lochs youngsters Calum Mackinnon, Callum Masson and Gordon Maciver did not let the side down, Nipper played well at wing back and Cameron Houston played well in goals. For Back Ross Hall was immense, Martin Maclean very composed and the evergreen Kevin Bloxy a real handful. It is good the see Kevin back playing after his recent family troubles. It is always good to see a genuine footballer and a gentleman playing even if it is in a blue shirt. Well played Kevin.

Game 11

 

Jock Stein Cup S/F                  6-6-11             Home

 

Lochs 2 v 0 Point (H.T. 0-0)

Scorers: David Martin and David Macmillan

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

David Black

 

Chris Mackay

Graeme Mackenzie

Ali Mackenzie

 

Ali Maciver

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

David Macmillan

Peter Mackenzie

David Martin

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

 

 

Subs

Cameron Houston                                not used

Jamie Macdonald                                 for Chris Mackay

Calum Mackinnon                                for Nomie

 

A young Point side, marshalled at the back by Alex Wright and Macca, took the field at Sgoil nan Lochs for the rearranged S/F of the JSC against Lochs. Lochs had most of the possession and created several good chances in the first half but failed to take advantage of all that good work. Chances fell to several players but Wright was there to meet the challenge or the finishing was not good enough. The second half saw the same pattern of game continuing. Lochs had most of the possession but the Reds were still strong in defence and dangerous on the break. In Gillies at the back and Flower in midfield they have two good young players amongst a crop that Stoodie is trying to mould into a team. Two opportunistic chances secured the game foe Lochs. David Marin touched home a Peter Mackenzie cross and David Macmillan fired home in the last few seconds of the game to secure the victory.

Game 10

 

Highland Amateur Cup Rd 2                 4-6-11             Home

 

Lochs 1 v 2 Carloway (H.T. 1-1)

Scorer; Don Lava

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

David Black

 

Chris Mackay

Graeme Mackenzie

Ali Mackenzie

 

Roddy Morrison

Peter Mackenzie

David Macmillan

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Ali Maciver

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

 

Subs

Gordon Maciver                                   not used

Robert Mackenzie                                for Roddy Morrison

Craig Maclean                                      not used

 

Lochs tumbled out of the Hi Am Cup following defeat to Carloway at Sgoil nan Loch. Carloway came out of the traps on fire as they set about taking the game to Lochs. They had all of the early pressure and almost all of the possession. It was not a surprise when they took the lead from Calum Tom Moody header which made its way into the net via a Lochs foot. Lochs did manage to claw their way back into the game and take a share of the midfield play and got their reward when Lava headed home a Graeme Mackenzie free kick lofted into the Carloway box from the region of the half way line. Both keepers Craigie and Black made good saves to keep the scoreline at 1-1 at this stage of the game. Nomie had a mazy run down the left wing in which he beat a defender before driving his shot into the side netting. The best chance to take the lead fell to Peter Robbie who saw his well hit shot turned round the post by Graigie in the Carloway goal. Carloway certainly had opportunities to add to their tally but their good midfield and wing play needed a strong finisher which they did not have.

 

H.T. 1-1

 

Into the second half and Lochs still played the better football. They forced a number of corners and from one of these David Macmillan fired a hooked drive which bounced of a Carloway defender and over the bar for yet another corner. From that corner the ball fell to Peter Mackenzie who blasted the ball over from six yards. Carloway were still very dangerous though depending largely on the long ball game. Lochs defender Ali Mackenzie was called into action to clear the ball of the line from a drive from inside the Lochs box after Black had come off his line to clear the ball. Carloway then took a lead they were to hold until the end of the 90mins. Andrew Tago was lucky not to have been spotted handling the ball in a tussle with don Lava, he then got the ball played back to him by Ali Mackenzie about 25m from goal, but nobody could argue with the quality of his shot as it beat Black high to his top left hand corner. Both sides had further opportunities but it is Carloway who make it through to the 3^rd Round to play Caithness side Castleton.

Game 9

 

Jock Stein Cup Rd2                 30-5-11                       Home

 

Lochs 4 v 0 Back (H.T. 2-0)

 

Scorers: Peter Mackenzie, Graeme, David Martin and Ali Maciver.

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

David Black

 

Chris Mackay

Graeme Mackenzie

Ali Mackenzie

 

Roddy Morrison

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Peter Mackenzie

Ali Maciver

David Martin

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

 

Substitutes

 

Jamie Macdonald                                  for Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Craig Maclean                                       for Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

Gordon Maciver                                      for Roddy      Morrison

 

 

Game 8

 

League                         20.5.11                        Away

 

Harris 2 v 4 Lochs (HT 2-1)

Scorers: Lava (2), Peter Mackenzie, Peter Robbie

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

David Black

 

Ali Mackenzie

Graeme Mackenzie

Chris Mackay

 

Gordon Maciver

Peter Mackenzie

David Macmillan

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Ali Maciver

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

 

Substitutes

 

Craig Maclean              for Donald “Nomie” Macdonald

 

On a wild, wet and windy night at Rally Park Lochs took the field for their first match without influential No. 9 Andy Murray. I am sure that it was as a mark of respect to his absence that Lochs chose not to use the No. 9 jersey for this game. Who could fill the role of the midfield maestro Andy. With David Martin unavailable young Gordon Maciver took over a right wing back. That was the only change from the abandoned match against Back.

 

Harris had the wind advantage in the first half and took the lead when a mix up between Chris Mackay and David Black saw the ball ending up in the Lochs net. The Maroons took the game to Harris despite playing against the wind and did create several chances in front of a rather shaky Harris keeper. Lochs did equalize midway through the half when Peter Mackenzie blasted home a lose ball in the box. Harris were very dangerous on the break and especially down the flanks and with Ali Kochs and Kyle Macleod in the middle of the park were proving tough opposition on the tight Rally Park. Just before half time the Hearachs took the lead again and indeed could have added to that lead when they forced a couple of corners as the break approached and the gale force wind aided their attacks.

 

H.T 2-1

 

Into the second half, and the unlikely scenario of sunshine over Tarbert, Lochs took the game to Harris in an effort to level the game. The equalizer came from Peter Robbie who fired home a 25metre drive which beat the keeper’s grip and went over his head into the net. Lochs scented the chance of victory and talismanic striker Lava netted twice to ensure that Lochs took the three points. Craig Maclean came on for the last fifteen minutes to replace Nomie and could have added to the score late on but the Harris keeper did well to block his shot.

 

Three vital points and Lochs fight on in the League.

 

 

League             9.5.11                 Away

 

Ness 1 v 3 Lochs (HT 1-1)

Scorers: o.g., Graeme, Lava

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

David Black

 

Peter Mackenzie

Graeme Mackenzie

Chris Mackay

 

Ali Maciver

Andy Murray

David Macmillan

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

David Martin

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nommie” Macdonald

 

Substitutes

 

Jamie Macdonald(Debut)                                  for Chris Mackay

Clum Mackinnon(Debut)                                  for David Martin

 

Still without Robert, Ally Mackenzie and Roddy Lochs had David Martin back again as they took on Ness at Fivepenny. The game started brightly with Lochs stringing passes together and keeping better possession than they had done in the previous games. They looked dangerous both down the flanks and through the middle. They created good chances but did not manage to take advantage of any of these. When they did score it was through an o.g. from Ness defender Scott McCrury who turned the ball into his own net. Ness did have a shot come back of the post with keeper Black beaten.  Their main danger came from Andrew Macleod on the right wing who was difficult to dispossess and single handedly created a great deal of trouble for the Lochs defence. On one of their few raids up the park in the first half Ness scored one of the goals of the season so far when Angie Campbell smashed a tremendous 25m drive past Black in the Lochs goal.

 

The second half saw Lochs continuing to have the bulk of the possession but still lack the cutting edge to open up the Ness defence. Midway through the half Lava was pulled back inside the box and Graeme Mackenzie scored from the resultant penalty kick. Lava himself completed the scoring to make the final result 3-1 for the Maroons.

 

Two players made their debut for Lochs in this game. Jamie Macdonald from Benbecula, who is working on the island, came on instead of Chris Mackay and young 14 year old Calum Mackinnon, son of a former Lochs star of the same name from the 1980’s and 90’s also made his first appearance.

 

Well done Lochs lets keep this up. Next game is at home v Back in the JSC Rd2.

 

Game 6

 

6.5.11

Highland Amateur Cup   Rd 1   Away

 

United 1 v 2 Lochs

 

Scorers:

David Macmillan and Nommie

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

David Black

 

Chris Mackay

Graeme Mackenzie

Alex “Tippex” Maciver

 

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

David Macmillan

Andy Murray

Peter Mackenzie

Ali Maciver

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nommie” Macdonald

 

Substitutes

 

Gordon Maciver                       for Chris Mackay

 

Lochs took the field at Goathill Park against United in Rd 1 of the HAC with key players injured or missing. Ali Mackenzie (dislocated shoulder), Robert Mackenzie (knee injury), Roddy Morrison (work) and David Martin (work) were all unavailable. However Ali Tolsta returned at wing back and Alex Tippex returned at centre back to give the team a solid experienced look.

 

Both sides started brightly and the play swung from end to end in the early stages. Jason Maclean put United ahead in slightly unusual circumstances. He was positioned out wide on the right flank and he sent a lob come cross towards the Lochs goal. It seems that Black lost the ball in the sun and it drifted over his head and into the net. Lochs immediately took the game to United and David Macmillan equalized when he drove an Andy Murray cross ball into the net from about 6yds. Nommie put Lochs ahead when some quick thinking from David Macmillan put him free inside the box from a free kick and Nommie fired Lochs into the lead. Andy hit the bar before half time but Lochs could not add to their lead.

 

That was the score at half time and although there were plenty chances in the second half there were no more goals in the tie. Twice David Macmillan brought saves out of the United keeper, Peter Mackenzie burst through the United rearguard several times but was foiled, Andy wove his way through the United defence on several occasions but faile to find the net. It was not one way traffic though. The Black and Golds had several opportunities to stretch the Lochs rearguard but they did not have the sharpness in front of goal to strike the back of the net. So it is Lochs who move into the second round to play Carloway. 

Game 5

 

 

Lochs 3 v 1 United

Scorers: Andy, Peter, Nommie

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

David Black

 

Chris Mackay

Graeme Mackenzie

Roddy Morrison

 

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie

Andy Murray

David Macmillan

Peter Mackenzie

David Martin

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nommie” Macdonald

 

Subs

 

Gordon Maciver                       for Nommie

Craig Maclean                          for Roddy

Lewis Mackenzie                      for David Martin

 

On a warm and sunny night at Sgoil nan Loch Lochs took the field against a United side fresh from a Coop Cup win over Harris. The first half was scrappy and without much pattern to the play for the large crowd to enjoy. The second half saw Lochs push Andy and David Macmillan further up the park with the barrier of Peter Mackenzie behind them and they soon created chances around the United goal. Andy broke the deadlock with a drive low past United keeper Gordon Mackenzie. The second Lochs goal came from Peter Mackenzie and the pick of the bunch was the third an exquisite chipped shot from Nommie that beat the keeper high to his left. More chances were created but the stolid United defence stood up to their task well. They scored near the end from the penalty spot after a handball in the Lochs box.               

Game 4

 

 

Lochs 2 v 2 Athletic

Lochs Scorers: Don Lava (2)

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

David Black

 

Ali Mackenzie

Graeme Mackenzie

Chris Mackay

 

Peter Mackenzie

Andy Murray

David Macmillan

Robert Mackenzie

Ali Maciver

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nommie” Macdonald

 

Substitutes

 

Craig Maclean                                    not used

David Martin                                        for Ali Mackenzie

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie                for Robert Mackenzie

 

Matches against Aths are always tough affairs and last night’s was no different. On a warm, bright evening at Sgoil nan Loch the undefeated Stornoway side came visiting. The first half saw chances at both ends before Lochs finally took the lead through Don Lava. Lochs suffered a double injury blow before the break with Ali Mackenzie being taken to hospital with a dislocated shoulder and Robert Mackenzie going off with a knee injury. Lochs doubled their lead early in the second half with Lava again scoring. At this stage they seemed to be in control of the game and could have gone further ahead but for a marvellous save from Murdo Maciver in the Aths goal when be prevented Lava getting his hat trick. David Martin also came close when he fired an unstoppable shot inches over the crossbar. Lochs looked as if they were about to take the three points but Aths had other ideas. From a free kick Scott Maciver headed home goal number one and near the end of the match Kenny Nicolson equalized with a header from a Scott Maciver cross.

 

League                         15.4.11

 

Lochs Goal:                  Andy Murray

 

Lochs Team (3-5-2)

 

David Black

 

Ali Mackenzie

Graeme Mackenzie

Chris Mackay

 

Peter Mackenzie

David Macmillan

Andy Murray

Robert Mackenzie

Ali Maciver

 

Don “Lava” Macleod

Donald “Nommie” Macdonald

 

Substitutes

Craig Maclean                                      not used

Cameron Houston                                for David Black

Peter “Robbie” Mackenzie                    for Ali Maciver

 

Lochs welcomed back David Macmillan and Graeme Mackenzie for this opening League match of the 2011 season. With the exception of David Martin the team was otherwise at full strength. On a wet and blustery night in Carloway both sides began the match brightly and the play went from end to end with plenty chances being created. In 20mins a free kick from Murdo “Squeg” Macleod into the Lochs box rebounded off David Black and Andrew Maciver blasted the ball into the Lochs net to give Carloway the lead. Lochs began to exert some pressure on their opponents goal after that goal and had a series of efforts blocked by Gordon Craigie, off target or scrambled away by the Carloway defence. The best chances fell to David Macmillan who blasted the ball over the crossbar and Lava who failed to connect with a Peter Mackenzie cross ball when he was well positioned in front of goal.

 

Lochs began the second half strongly and pressurized the Carloway goal. From a resulting corner Lava bundled the ball into the net but referee DJ Maclean adjudged that he did so from an offside position and chalked off the goal. Further chances came for Lochs the best at this stage being a Robert Mackenzie drive that went just wide of the goal frame. Despite good possession Lochs could not find a way through the Carloway defence and at the other end Seamus Macleod doubled Carloway’s lead in 65 mins when he cleverly nicked home a cross ball from the left. Andrew Maciver added a third three minutes later when he capitalized on a poor clearance from the Lochs defence and fired in a shot that Black could not hold. Further misery was added for Lochs when Murdo “Squeg” Macleod dispossessed Graeme Mackenzie, moved in on goal and calmly chipped the ball over keeper Black. 4-0 for Carloway, not even the most confused of Carlwegians could believe the scoreline. Lochs had not lost a League game since June 16^th 2008 but now they were down and out at Cnoc a’Chaillich. Andy Murray did get a consolation goal near the end but that was indeed all it proved to be.

 

 

 

 

With four first choice players missing, David Macmillan (suspension), Graeme Mackenzie (honeymoon), David Martin and Roddy Morrison (work commitments), Lochs took the field in Rd 1 of the Coop Cup against Benbecula at Sgoil Lionacleit. The missing quartet allowed Robbie to give starts to two new signings Ali Maciver at left wing back and Chris Mackay in defence. Alex Tippex played in defence and Peter Robbie played in midfield.

 

Lochs took an early lead when Nommie deftly headed home an Ali Tolsta cross after the wing back had surged forward down the left wing evading strong challenges from the Benbecula defence. Benbecula could have equalized when a Hector Macphee pile driver beat Black in the Lochs goal only for the effort to come back off the frame of the goal. Lochs doubled that lead with a contender for goal of the season from Andy Murray. Weaving his way through the Benbecula defence he was forced wide of goal but somehow managed to cleverly chip the ball over the keeper and into the corner of the net.

 

Benbecula started the second half brightly but their main threat came from Hector Macphee and especially from dead ball situations. Further goals from Lava, Peter Mackenzie and Nommie secured a comfortable win for the Maroons. For me Robert Mackenzie was superb in the middle of the park and was my pick for Man of the Match. A good all round performance from Lochs and a good start to the season.