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  • Tain Thistle clinch league title in Alness | Latest News | Tain Thistle AFC
  • Tain Thistle clinch league title in Alness

    For the second time in three years last night, Tain Thistle were crowned Ross-shire Welfare League champions on Alness turf. A commanding 3-0 victory saw the season long league leaders secure enough points in the Ross-shire Welfare League to ensure that they can no longer be caught, confirming their place as Champions.<br /><br />Dave Murray, Daniel Cormack and Liam Rostock were the only absences from the past weekend's cup winning squad, as Ian Ross, Martin Smith and Neil MacDonald were added. Cammy Mackintosh dropped to the bench with a hamstring concern, ending a run of eighteen consecutive starts for the Jags.<br /><br /><img class="imgleft" src="http://www.tainthistle.co.uk/news/data/upimages/nellieheader2015.jpg">Results against this young Alness United team have been mixed this season. Thistle set out to make no mistakes this time around, though, as they carried their Seaboard Cup final form into this fixture, testing Ali Shanks early on with a couple of chances. The best came after 22 minutes when Mark Lamont dribbled past two defenders before squaring to John Maclellan who forced Shanks to turn the ball wide.<br /><br />The opening goal arrived after 23 minutes and it was thanks to the persistence of Dave Macgruer who battled to retain the ball before setting up Mark Lamont for a shot on goal. His first effort didn't hit the net, but the rebound came straight back off him and beat Shanks for something of a fortunate lead. Any doubt over Thistle's authority was quickly quelled when Lamont scored a second. Rising above Shanks to reach a long ball along with Maclellan, he headed over the outstretched hands of the Alness 'keeper to make it 2-0.<br /><br />Frustration set in amongst the Alness ranks soon after and Chris Graham was booked for dissent. Alness weren't without chances at the other end, however, forcing a series of corners, but failed to hit the target during a half which ultimately belonged to Tain.<br /><br />The second half turned firmly in the favour of Tain Thistle when Daniel Lowe was shown a straight red for a kick on Nellie MacDonald. Adding to United's plight, referee Barry Stuart awarded the Jags a penalty just after the hour mark, after John Maclellan was fouled in the area. Making no mistake, Mark Lamont rifled the ball high into the net from the spot kick. His goal was his 22nd this season for Thistle - a staggering goal tally in only twelve appearances - and it was a new record for a Tain Thistle player, beating the previous records of Calum Macdonald and Liam Rostock, who had both scored 21 goals in one season.<br /><br />The 3-0 win was more than the Jags needed on a night that they knew could crown them Ross-shire Welfare League champions for the third time in their eighteen year history. With 11 wins and just 1 loss, Robert Ross, along with his coaching team Scott Drylie, Arron Christie and Ian Christie can take great pride in a league campaign which has been fought as though each game was a cup final. <br /><br /><b>Team:</b><br />Allan, Farquhar, A Christie, MacDonald, Munro, Mailley, Duff, Macgruer (Scott), Lamont (I Ross), D Christie, Maclellan (Smith)<br /><br /><b>Subs not used:</b><br />D Ross, Mackintosh<br /><br /><b>Goals:</b><br />Lamont 23, 28, pen 62<br /><br /><b>Booked:</b><br />Munro

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