Barra FC Archives - Am Paipear

Every team has something still to prove as the league comes to a close

September 4, 2015

Uist and Barra League Preview

North Uist (Blue) face Southend (Black and White), knowing a win could secure third place.

Barra (Red) will win the league if they beat Benbecula. While Saints (Yellow) have to beat Eriskay and hope results go their way.

Benbecula (Blue) could finish third if they avoid defeat. While Eriskay (Green) will be looking for just their second win of the season.

The title and third place are still to be resolved as the final round of fixtures in the league takes place this weekend. Can Barra end their forty year wait for the title? Will Saints make it five titles in a row? Can Benbecula hold on to third spot or will North Uist leapfrog them? Or can Southend gain revenge on their rivals? And will Eriskay end the season on a high with a victory over Saints?

All will be revealed this weekend as the 2015 Uist and Barra League Championship comes to a close.

Southend take on North Uist for the second time in three days.

Friday, 4th September-

Southend (5th v North Uist (4th) (Kick-off 6.45pm at Daliburgh)

DA Lindsay’s team will be looking to end the season with a win against a North Uist team that could be one win away from a third place finish.

The teams meet for the second time in three days, and Southend will look to make amends for a disappointing performance on Tuesday in Paible. The team looked tired and severely lacking in creativity going forward, perhaps the absence of top goal scorer Andrew MacIssac and Duncan MacQuarrie, who were both deployed as centre-backs, from attack played a big part in Southend’s general toothlessness going forward.

Southend weren’t competitive enough, especially in the first half, which is not something usually associated with an otherwise hard working and determined team. Danny Steele and Andrew MacIssac did their best to bring the fight to North Uist, however the rest of the team, with the exception of goalkeeper Innes MacDonald, who performed well despite the scoreline, weren’t at the races.

North Uist, conversely, looked hungry, and the team had a greater desire and tenacity in their play throughout the game. Aside from their goal scoring contributions, Keith MacDonald and Andrew MacQuarrie have both been key to the team in terms of their leadership, enabling the side to play with confidence, purpose and energy.

This game, however, represents a good chance for Southend to end the season on a positive note at home and the opportunity to thwart their rivals from finishing in third place. DA Lindsay will hope to lift his team ahead of the game and can use their performance on Tuesday as motivation to prove that the defeat was not a true reflection of the team’s ability.

For North Uist, a victory could enable them to finish in third place, which would represent a fantastic achievement for John Docherty’s team.

Can Saints make it five titles in a row?

Sunday 6th September

Iochdar Saints (2nd) v Eriskay (6th) – (Kick-off to be confirmed, at Liniclate)

Stephen Macaulay’s team will have to pick themselves up after last week’s defeat to Barra as they prepare to face Eriskay at home. Saints, who have led the table for most of the season, know that even a win might not be enough for them to defend the title.

The nature of their defeat against Barra was probably the most disappointing aspect of their loss, as they let a 1-0 lead slip to lose 3-1.

This season has marked another impressive campaign for Saints as they have already added the Summer Cup to their trophy cabinet and performed admirably in the Highland Amateur Cup, losing out to the eventual winners Wick Groats in the quarter-finals.

The current champions, however, will not be content to finish as runners-up and will no doubt do their utmost to defend their crown.

Eriskay has their own goal of recording what would be only their second win of the campaign. Martin Macaulay’s team has had a tough season and will be looking ahead to next year to improve upon their 6th place position.

Their performances have not always been fairly reflected in their score-lines, but they know that they will have to be at their best to compete with what will be a determined Saints team.

The reigning champions can’t be discounted from defending their title, but it will take a big effort, as well as other results going their way, if they are to make it five league championship wins in a row.

Barra will look to win their first title in forty years.

Saturday 5th September

Barra (1st) v Benbecula (3rd) – (Kick-off 12.15pm at Castlebay)

Last Saturday’s victory over Iochdar Saints means that a win over Benbecula at home will clinch the title for Barra, their first in forty years.

The 3-1 win, continued Barra’s recent trend of scoring late goals, a habit that played a big part in their Co-op Cup success this year.

That said, Barra don’t have any room for error. Their lead stands a just a point going into this game, and with Iain MacDonald’s side looking to finish in third place in the league, only a win will definitely suffice if they are to oust Saints as champions.

Their recent defensive record has played a big part in their good run of form of late, with four clean sheets from their last seven games.

Benbecula, despite having to call off their game against North Uist last week, will have a squad ready to go out and take on the champions elect. They have already taken points from Barra, when the teams played out a 3-3 draw earlier in the season.

A draw could be enough for Barra to win the league, Benbecula could finish third even if they lose, however the chances are with Saints and North Uist, respectively, breathing down their necks, both teams will need nothing less than a victory.

Barra, with the title in their own hands, will be looking to complete a historic double. Benbecula will have other plans and will believe that they can cause an upset to end what has been a good season in third place.

By Adam Gordon

Much still to play for in the race for the title and third place

August 27, 2015

Uist and Barra League Preview

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Iochdar Saints (Yellow) and Barra (Red) are separated by just two points going into their penultimate match of the season

Iochdar Saints and Barra meet for the fourth and final time in the league this season in what could be a decisive match in the race for the Uist and Barra League Championship. Meanwhile, Eriskay on Saturday will be hoping to pick up only their second win, of what has been a challenging season, against a Southend team that has designs on finishing in the top three.

Iochdar Saints (in yellow) will be looking to their more experienced players like Callum Campbell (right) to help them overcome Barra.

Iochdar Saints (1st) v Barra (2nd) – Saturday at Liniclate (Kick-off 12.00pm)

Saturday’s game at Liniclate could decide the title, as the reigning champions Iochdar Saints welcome title challengers Barra.

Both teams have been in fantastic form of late, with Saints winning five of their last six matches, while Barra has an even better recent record with five wins and a draw from their last six games.

The last meeting between the sides saw Barra come out on top with a 1-0 win at home, their first victory over Saints this season. That victory was the first time this season that Saints had failed to score in a league game, and also marked Barra first clean sheet of the campaign.

Barra’s defence has improved considerably since the Saints game with four clean sheets from their last six games. That said, Martin MacPhee’s side, who will no doubt still be on a high following their historic Co-op Cup win over Point last Saturday, will have their work cut out for them against the current champions, who have scored an incredible tally of 25 goals in their last six matches.

Ali MacInnes (on the ball) has been one of the mainstays for an ever-improving Barra team this season.

Only two points separate the teams with two games remaining, so a win for Saints would bring them their fifth successive title, which would be quite a feat for Stephen Macaulay’s side.

Barra, however, also has a great team spirit, with last Saturday’s cup success indicative of the belief and mental strength within the side. Both teams have strong squads to choose from, and with goals throughout the team, it is anyone’s guess whether Saints will indeed seal the title, or if Barra will continue their winning streak to take the championship fight to the final game of the season.

Pre-match comments

Angus Campbell, Iochdar Saints: There’s pressure on every game when you’re defending champions. Everyone wants to beat the champions, but we have been in this situation before a few years ago, so we know what it takes to get the job done.

James Davidson, Barra: This is a big game for both teams, but we feel we have no pressure and all the pressure is on Saints as they have home advantage and a two point lead in the title race, it’s theirs to lose. We are just going to go and enjoy ourselves and hope that we come away with the three points.

Recent form

Iochdar Saints – W – W – W – W – L – W P6 W5 D0 L1 F25 A5 Top scorer – Angus Campbell – 16

Barra – W – W – W – W – D – W P6 W5 D1 L0 F19 A5 Top scorer – James Davidson – 15

Eriskay (in green) have played an attractive brand of football but have struggled in the league this season.

Eriskay (6th) v Southend (5th) – Saturday at Cnoc na Monadh (Kick-off 4.00pm)

A long hard season for Eriskay nears its end as they host Southend this Saturday. Martin Macaulay’s team have endured a torrid campaign so far, with just one solitary win in the league so far.

A lack of experience and physicality have rendered Eriskay unable to transfer their neat brand of football into points this year. There is no doubt, however, the team can develop next season with the addition of a few more seasoned players.

Macaulay can take heart from recent performances against Benbecula and Barra, as an indication of his side’s ability to compete against some of the best teams in the league. The problem, however, lies with the defence, which has been far too porous this season to enable the team to put more points on the board.

Andrew MacIssac (in black and white) is currently Southend’s top scorer this season.

DA Lindsay’s team will look to arrest a run of five consecutive defeats, against the team they recorded their most recent league win against.

Southend will have a full squad to choose from for the trip, and despite their poor run of form of late, the opportunity to finish third will be an added incentive for the team if one was needed.

The postponement of North Uist’s match against Benbecula, means that Southend can move to within three points of Iain MacDonald’s team with a win on Saturday.

They will hope that a victory on Saturday can springboard them to finish the season in good form and pip both North Uist and Benbecula to third spot.

Pre-match comments

Martin Macaulay, Eriskay manager: Southend always seem to have a good turnout, it will be very tough and a very hard game for us. Southend has a few players back from injury, big Duncan MacQuarrie is a handful with his height. It is good to see our young players coming through though, and they are improving in every game.

Andrew MacIssac, Southend: I always think a game away to Eriskay is a battle, no matter where both teams are in the league. On finishing third, it looks like being tough, but with three games left we want to finish as strong as we can. With the young lads all coming on a lot again this year, big performances in the last few games will give them confidence for next season.

Recent form

Eriskay – L – L – L – L – L – L P6 W0 D0 L6 F8 A28 Top scorer – Jack Walker & Callum Campbell – 5

Southend – L – L – L – L – L – W P6 W1 D0 L5 F8 A22 Top scorer – Andrew MacIssac – 6

By Adam Gordon

Buoyant Barra make history to win Co-op Cup

August 22, 2015

The Co-op Cup Final: Barra 1 Point 1

(Barra win 5-4 on pens)

Barra kept their cool to win their first ever Co-op Cup on penalties after yet another dramatic late show. Martin MacPhee’s side scored all five of their penalties to become the first ever team from the Uist and Barra League to win the trophy.

The cup looked to be slipping away from their grasp when Caliean MacArthur fumbled a cross from Point’s left-back Alex Lamb to give the Lewis side the lead in the 76th minute. However, just as the Point appeared to be edging towards victory, Michael MacInnes equalised with a fantastic header from a corner to take the game to penalties.

The cruel nature of a penalty shoot-out meant that one team would be left disappointed after what had been a thoroughly even and fairly contested match.

Unfortunately for Point, with the score at 1-1 in the shoot-out, Sam Macsween saw his effort saved by MacArthur, who more than made amends for his earlier mistake.

Both teams successfully dispatched their next three penalties, leaving Craig Ferguson of Barra with the chance to win the Cup for his team.

Ferguson, who had been the saviour in the 2nd round against Lochs, coolly struck the ball into the bottom-right corner beyond Alex Wright to seal a historic victory for his team.

Barra showed fantastic spirit to maintain the belief that they could still win the trophy despite trailing so late into the match. The win marks a brilliant achievement for Martin MacPhee’s team, who will celebrate what is a famous victory for the club.

A full match report will be published in the September print edition of Am Paipear

Point chase quadruple as Barra aim to make history

August 21, 2015

Co-op Cup Final: Barra v Point

Saturday 22 August

– Barra looking to become the first Uist and Barra League team to win the trophy

– Point in the hunt for four trophies this season

Barra’s Deege Wilson in action against Carloway

For this year’s respective finalists, the path to the 2015 Co-op Cup final has been punctuated by emphatic victories, last-gasp winning goals and a penalty shoot-out success, prompting as much tension for the coaching staff along the way as it has provided entertainment for the fans.

This Saturday’s final represents the last stop of a whirlwind journey that has been this season Co-op Cup, with both Barra and Point looking to take charge, as opposed to ending the tournament as mere passengers.

After comfortable wins in the early rounds over first Benbecula 1-9 and then North Uist 6-0, Point were made to work hard for their place in the final, edging out Westside in the semi-final on penalties, following a 3-3 draw.

Barra’s passage to the showpiece match was tense throughout both of their matches. Dramatic late efforts, first from Craig Ferguson in the 2-1 win over Lochs in the 2nd round and then from James Davidson in the 3-2 semi-final victory against Carloway, means they still have the chance to become the first Uist and Barra team to win the Co-op Cup.

Both clubs have enjoyed fantastic campaigns so far, with much still to play for this season. Barra are hot on the heels of Iochdar Saints as the Uist and Barra League approaches its conclusion, while Point, currently sit top of the Lewis and Harris League, albeit having played a game more than their closest rival Lochs.

Point has excelled in cup competitions this season, having already won the Jock Stein Cup, and will contest the Moldova Lewis Cup Final against Lochs on September 5.

Barra will be eager to go one step further than they did in this year’s Summer Cup, where following a fantastic 4-4 draw against Saints in the final, they eventually succumbed 7-4 after extra time.

If the two teams’ league form is any indication of how they might perform, then picking a winner will be no mean feat. The clubs have played 40 league games between them in their respective leagues, Barra (17) and Point (13), and each have so far lost on just two occasions, both times to their title rivals, Barra twice against Iochdar Saints and Point twice against Lochs.

While Point’s most recent defeat came at the start of August in a 2-0 reversal against Lochs, Barra has been in scintillating form in the league. Since losing 6-3 to Saints back in June, they have won eight of their last nine league fixtures, with a 3-3 draw against Benbecula, the only blemish on a near perfect record. Indeed, Barra’s ability to score goals could be the difference between a good season and a year to remember. Not only have they averaged a goal scoring ratio of 3.7 goals per game, but they have also scored in every game they have played this season.

Point’s strike rate is also impressive, only twice have they failed to find the net, with an average of 2.8 goals per game. Defensively, both teams have kept four clean sheets in the league so far this season, although Barra’s record has improved considerably in recent matches with three of those shut-outs coming in their last four matches.

With so little if anything to separate the teams when it comes to statistics, Am Paipear decided to gauge the opinion of two men who have experience of managing against both finalists.

We spoke to Iain MacDonald, manager of Benbecula, who were eliminated by Point in the Co-op Cup and recently drew 3-3 with Barra in the league and John Docherty, manager of North Uist, who were also defeated by Point in the Co-op and have recently faced Barra in the league.

Iain MacDonald: ‘I personally think the game will be tight as they both play an expansive game, get the ball wide, play a passing game, both are two very good footballing sides with excellent players. Point will probably come into the game as favourites but I can see Barra giving them a close run game and possibly being the first team from the Uist and Barra league to win the trophy.’

John Docherty: ‘I think it will be a good game, I expect Point to edge it though , they are a very strong side and strong in most positions, and very well organised. They are certainly the best side we have played this year and I think they will just have too much for Barra. However, I have been impressed by Barra this season and they certainly have one or two individuals who can turn a game , and you never know an upset just might be on the cards.’

Barra’s Neil Ferguson also spoke to Am Paipear about his side’s chances of becoming the first team from Uist and Barra to win the competition.

Neil Ferguson: ‘We have enjoyed this competition and we enjoy playing Lewis and Harris teams as it’s refreshing to come up against different teams and different styles of football.

We don’t know an awful lot about Point and they probably don’t know a lot about us either. We did play them last year in the quarter-finals of this cup and we beat them on penalties after a 1-1 draw, but I think both sides have improved since then. Our other two ties in this cup have been very tight, so I am expecting the same. It’s a cup final though so anything can happen. We are all really looking forward to it and hope we can rise to the occasion to become the first Uist and Barra side to win it.’

While it remains to tight to predict a winner, what can be guaranteed is a fantastic match in prospect. Two teams fighting for the title in the respective leagues will meet, both believing they have what it takes to succeed. For Point, a win would secure their third trophy this season, with a further two up for grabs. While Barra know a victory would mean they would become the first team from Uist and Barra to win the Co-op Cup. Neither team will lack the motivation, but which side will rise to the occasion? A fascinating final awaits.

Saints and Barra both in action as title race heats up

August 7, 2015

Uist and Barra Football League Preview

– Saints and Barra both have home fixtures as title race heats up

– Southend will go third with a win, while Eriskay will be aiming for a derby win

By Adam Gordon

Iochdar Saint ( yellow) and Barra (red) are separated by just two points at the top of the Uist and Barra League.

A 1-0 win for Barra over Iochdar Saints on Wednesday 5th August means that the top two are separated by just two points going into the final six games of the season. Barra’s victory, which was their first over Saints this season, leaves the battle for the Uist and Barra League Championship wide open, with both teams still to play each other once more.

The championship rivals are both in action again this weekend, in home fixtures against Southend and Eriskay respectively.

Will Barra take the spoils in their local derby against Eriskay and reclaim top spot? Will Saints sweep aside Southend to increase their lead? Or will both teams drop points? All will be revealed this weekend, as the race for the title heats up.

Friday 7th August

Iochdar Saints (1st) v Southend (4th) – Liniclate, kick-off (6.30pm)

Southend (black and white) will move into third place, with a win over Saints.

Southend has the unenviable task of taking on the reigning champions, after Saints suffered only their second league defeat of the season against Barra. The league leaders will be keen to get back on track against a Southend team that has its sights firmly set on a third-place finish.

Sitting just a point below Benbecula in third, and with three games in hand, DA Lindsay’s side will fancy their chances of overtaking Iain MacDonald’s team to finish behind the top two.

Southend, despite enduring two heavy defeats against Saints earlier in the campaign, will be hopeful of adding to their three away wins and will look to the likes of their top-scorer Andrew MacIssac and Duncan MacQuarrie to unsettled the Saints defence.

The visitors’ narrow loss against Barra in the Summer Cup semi-final proved that they have what it takes to compete with the best teams in the league, however they will have to be at their best against what will be a wounded animal in Saints.

With the fight for the title now on again, the current league champions will be eager to return to winning ways, and Saints’ manager Stephen Macaulay will no doubt have faith in his side’s ability to bounce back following their defeat. Southend might like to take note that the last time Saints lost a league match, they went on to defeat Eriskay 10-1 in their next game.

Form Guide

Iochdar Saints – L, W, W, W, W, W

Southend – W, L, L, W, W, W

Top goalscorers

Southend: Andrew MacIssac – 6 goals

Iochdar Saints: Angus Campbell, Joseph MacInnes, Ally Downie – (All have 11 goals each)

Previous meetings

Iochdar Saints 10 – 2 Southend – 27/6/15

Southend 2 – 5 Iochdar Saints – 10/4/15

Saturday 8th August

Barra (2nd) v Eriskay (6th) – Castlebay, kick-off (12.30pm)

Eriskay (green) will be looking to upset Barra in the local derby.

Barra’s victory against Iochdar Saints in midweek, was not only impressive on account of it being just the second loss in the league for the defending champions so far in this campaign, but it was also the first time Saints had failed to score in the league this season.

Martin MacPhee will be especially happy with the nature of the win, given Barra’s patchy defensive performance in their recent Co-op Cup win against Carloway. The victory, Barra will hope, could prove to be a turning point in the race for the title, with only two points between the two teams with six matches left to play.

The result will imbue Barra with confidence, after the race for the championship looked to be firmly in Saints’ favour, following their 3-3 draw with Benbecula last week, that also happened to be first match drawn in the league this season.

For Eriskay, Martin MacAulay must take encouragement from the style and enthusiasm which his side has exhibited in their play this season, despite their position at the bottom of the league. With just one win this season, Eriskay will seek to tighten things up at the back, while also retaining their flare for attacking.

With exciting young players such as Dominic MacAulay, Callum Campbell and Jack Walker, to name but a few, Barra’s defence would be foolish to rest on their laurels.

Eriskay will be hoping to put a spanner in their works in a derby match that should prove to be a lot more competitive than current form suggests.

Form Guide

Barra – W, D, W, W, W, L

Eriskay – L, L, L, L, L, L

Top scorers

Barra – James Davidson – 13 goals

Eriskay – Jack Walker and Callum Campbell (Both on 5 goals)

Previous meetings

Eriskay w/o Barra – Barra were awarded a 3-0 win after Eriskay failed to field a team – 18/7/15

Eriskay 3-5 Barra – 18/6/15

Champions take on pretenders to the throne as the league’s top two meet

August 5, 2015

Uist and Barra League

Barra v Iochdar Saints

Wednesday 5th August, Castlebay, Barra

Kick-off 7.30pm

By Adam Gordon

Iochdar Saints (in yellow) will look to extend their advantage to eight points over Barra (in red)

Iochdar Saints travel to Barra this evening, knowing that win could go a long way towards retaining the Uist and Barra League Championship.

Barra will be looking to defeat Saints for the first time in the league this season, having lost the previous two fixtures between the sides.

If the matches already contested between the two teams this season are anything to go by, there will not be a shortage of action; the three games between the sides, including the Summer Cup Final, have produced 25 goals, with Saints winning all three.

If Barra win tonight, however, the gap between the teams will stand at just two points, with the teams still to meet on one more ocassion later this month.

A win for Saints would extend the difference to eight points between the teams, a margin that would perhaps be too great for Barra to claw back, given that Saints has only lost once in the league so far this season.

The match promises to be a game full of goals, incident and could spur the winning team on to take the title.

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Angus Campbell (left) and Craig Ferguson (right) have been two of the league’s top performers this season

Barra and Saints in statistics

Barra

League wins: 10 Draws: 1 Defeats: 2

Goals for: 51 Goals against: 25 Goal difference: +26

Average goals per game: 3.92

Biggest win: 1-7 v Southend 4/6/15

Biggest loss: 6-3 v Saints 13/6/15

Top goalscorer: James Davidson – 13 goals

—————————————————

Saints

League wins: 12 Draws: 0 Defeats: 1

Goals for: 67 Goals against: 19 Goal difference: + 48

Average goals per game: 5.2

Biggest win: 1-10 v Eriskay 15/7/15

Biggest loss: 3-2 v Benbecula 16/6/15

Top goalscorer: Angus Campbell, Joseph MacInnes and Ally Downie – are all on 11 goals each

Possible line-ups

Barra wear down North Uist to extend their lead

July 6, 2015

The Uist and Barra Football League

North Uist United 0 Barra 4

– Defeat compounded by late injury for home side

– Three second half goals gloss over a largely even contest

Ali MacInnes leading the charge for Barra

By Adam Gordon

League leaders Barra left North Uist licking their wounds in a bruising encounter on Saturday 4^th July. The home team endured two heavy injuries and eventually ran out of steam, as the away side took their chances aided by a portion of good luck.

A brace from James Davidson and goals from Craig Ferguson and Angus MacLean (Butch) earned Barra all three points and extended their lead at the top of the league to six points, albeit having played three games more than Iochdar Saints.

The first half of the match gave little notice of the margin that would separate the teams by the full-time whistle, as North Uist more than held their own against the visitors.

The home team showed a willingness to take the game to Barra, and were successful in forcing the leaders to concede several corners as they looked to unsettle the visitors. Indeed, North Uist’s best chance of the half came from a cross into the box and fell to Andy Currie, who went close with a header 6-yards out.

The positive rhythm North Uist had established through their promising early play was halted for nearly ten minutes as Fraser MacDonald had to leave the field to receive treatment after sustaining a head injury. Much to the relief of his team and everyone involved for that matter, MacDonald return to the fray, with his head bandaged, ala Terry Butcher, to resume playing.

Unfortunately for North Uist, despite their early momentum, it was Barra that made the breakthrough with 25 minutes gone. The visitors bypassed the North Uist wall from a freekick, and although their initial attempt was blocked, the ball fell into the path of Angus MacLean (Butch) who fired his shot into the bottom corner to open the scoring. The goal was Butch’s first goal for Barra and it again highlighted his team’s ability to take their chances, irrespective of how well they are playing

North Uist (on the ball) more than held their own against Barra in the first half.

At the other end, Dave D’Arcy was presented with a half chance for North Uist, but the ball bounced off his shin as he attempted a shot on goal.

The second half began with flourish from Barra, and it was Craig Ferguson who was at the heart of most of their early attacks. Stuart Menzies twice foiled the playmaker, whose free role enabled him to drift between attack and midfield, making it difficult for North Uist to marked him effectively. The second of those attempts brought out an especially good save from Menzies, who reacted quickly to Ferguson’s strike, following a neat turn by the Barra player who had his back to goal.

North Uist enjoyed good periods of play within the midfield area, with Fraser MacDonald showing an admirable desire to bring the ball forward from his own half to orchestrate attacks.

Ross Frew, introduced as a second half substitute, assumed some good positions on the left-hand side for the home team, but was forced to bring the ball deep as Barra quickly crowded out any attacks from the wide areas.

Although most of North Uist’s approach play came down the right-hand side, it was a similar story, as the visitors pressed them into crossing from deep positions. This proved to be an effective tactic from a Barra perspective, as they easily dealt with the majority of balls played towards their goal.

Tempers flared between the sides in the 62nd minute, when Ali MacInnes of Barra was booked after appearing to elbow North Uist’s John McDonald in the face. The home team were left incensed that MacInnes was not shown a straight red card.

As North Uist became more frustrated, Barra grew in confidence and doubled their lead five minutes later. Ferguson, who was now running the game for his team, got the goal, with a forceful strike from the end of the box. What at first appeared to be an attempted to win the ball soon turned into a goal, as Ferguson’s strike went unopposed and looped over Menzies to make it 2-0.

The pace and trickery of Michael Davidson presented North Uist with even more problems, as the game began to drift away from the home team. The winger hit two efforts wide, but was soon involved in the build-up to Barra’s third goal of the game.

With 13 minutes left to go, Barra broke down the right through Michael Davidson, and with a great amount of good luck, his shot after initially deflecting off the post, landed at the feet of Caliean MacQuarrie whose attempted clearance rebounded off of the back of Menzies and into the path of James Davidson. The striker simply tapped the ball into goal to give his side a commanding lead.

North Uist, to their credit, pushed forward, however, a lack of composure in their passing coupled with the close attentions of the Barra defence, prevented their attacks from testing Caliean MacArthur in the opposing goal.

With two minutes remaining Barra scored their fourth goal of the game, which again came about more through accident than design. A freekick taken by Ewan Campbell (Wowi) deflected off of the North Uist goalkeeper via the right-hand post to the feet of James Davidson, who had the easy task of putting the ball into the net to seal the win for Barra.

North Uist’s John Cameron endured a painful injury towards the end of the game

The game ended with a painful injury for North Uist’s John Cameron, who damaged the meniscus fibrocartilage in his knee and was carried off by his teammates.

Barra yet again took their chances to record a comfortable win, with the scoreline perhaps unfair on North Uist, who had been competitive for most of the game, but were ultimately lacking in creativity and ruthlessness in front of goal.

Man of the match: Craig Ferguson, Barra

Ferguson once again proved to be a thorn in the side of his opponents with an energetic performance, especially in the second half. His goal, which made the score 2-0 to Barra, was probably the turning point in what had been an even contest. Thereafter, his knack for finding space between the defensive and midfield lines of the North Uist team, enabled Barra to break down the home team’s resistance and run out comfortable winners.

Teams

North Uist United: S Menzies, C MacQuarrie, M MacInnes, A MacQuarrie, D Macllwarith, J Cameron, F MacDonald, J MacDonald, S MacDonald, A Currie, And D D’Arcy

Substitutions: J MacDonald for A Currie, R Frew for S MacDonald, F MacDonald ‘Ginge’ on for D’Arcy

Barra: M MacArthur, D Nicholson, M MacInnes, I Beggs, E Campbell, M Davidson, A MacLean, A MacInnes, S Davidson, C Ferguson, J Davidson

Substitutions: L Davidson on for D Nicholson, S MacNeil on for A MacInnes, A MacNeil on for A MacLean

Uist and Barra League and Highland Amateur Cup Previews

June 19, 2015

By Adam Gordon

This weekend, league leaders Iochdar Saints are in action in the Highland Amateur Cup. Meanwhile in the Uist and Barra League, Saints’ midweek conquerors Benbecula travel to Barra, who can return to the top of the table with a win, and Southend will look to make it three wins in a week as they host North Uist United.

Match of the Week

Highland Amateur Cup: Quarter-final

– Saints look to get back on track after shock defeat to Benbecula

-The winners to face either NMM Ace or Staxigoe in the Semi-finals

Angus Campbell in action for Saints during their recent win over Barra.

Saturday 20th June

Iochdar Saints AFC v Wick Groats AFC – Kick-off 10.45am in Portree, Isle of Skye

Portree is the venue, as the reigning Uist and Barra League Champions, Iochdar Saints take on Wick Groats, currently top of the Caithness League for a place in the semi-finals of the Highland Amateur Cup.

Both teams come into the match in formidable form, Wick Groats has won four and lost only one of their opening five league fixtures, scoring 18 goals, an average of 3.6 goals a game, and conceding just four in the process. Saints’ record is equally impressive, as they have taken maximum points from seven of their eight league matches and have also lost just once. Putting the ball in the net has not proved a problem for Saints either, with 37 goals in their eight matches so far, that’s an average of 4.6 goals a game.

Both teams, however, are beatable, as Benbecula proved in their shock victory over Saints during the week, which was also the more surprising given Saints’ win against Barra last Saturday. While Groats’ 2-3 league defeat at the hands of fellow quarter-finalists, Staxigoe United is proof they are also fallible.

Neither side will have the comfort of home advantage, so whichever team adapts quickest to the pitch in Portree could well come out on top.

Wick Groats has played three matches en route to the quarter-finals, in the first two rounds they progressed by comfortable margins; first they defeated Helmsdale 4-1 in round one, and then they knocked out Merkinch of Inverness by an emphatic 1-7 scoreline in round two.

Although their margin of victory was even greater in their third round win over Westside of the Harris and Lewis League, they did enjoy a spot of good fortune along the way. Westside were unjustly reduced to ten men after a perfectly fair tackle by Ally Williamson resulted in a penalty, as well as a red card for their opponents. The goal was the first of nine scored in the match as Groats went on to recorded an incredible 1-8 win in a ruthless and deserved victory.

Saints’ passage through to the last eight has also been relatively hassle-free, indeed they have only had to play two fixtures to progress to the quarter-final stage, as they were given a bye in the first round. A 4-1 win over four-time Highland Amateur Cup winners, Ness was followed by an entertaining tussle with Stornoway Athletic in the third round. Although they trailed one-nil, two braces, one from Ally Downie, the other from Archie MacDonald, and a Harry Luney free-kick from 50 yards out, following a calamitous mistake by the Stornoway goalkeeper, enabled Saints to run out 3-5 winners.

Defence will perhaps be the key area for both teams, as there is certainly no questioning the strength of either of the sides’ attacks, although Groats’ top scorer this season, Graham McNab will miss the match due to a one-match suspension. Saints possess real resilience, enabling them to win matches, regardless of how well they have been playing, however, they have been liable to concede goals. Their last two matches, a 6-3 win against Barra and a 3-2 defeat against Benbecula, provide recent evidence of that. On the contrary, Wick Groats has been fairly miserly at the back, in their three matches in the Highland Amateur Cup this season, they have yet to conceded more than one goal in a game. Their league record is also impressive in that regard, as they have already kept two clean sheets in their first five games and conceded just four goals in total.

Although a semi-final berth awaits the winners, (against either NMM Ace of Inverness or Staxigoe of Caithness), the chances are that neither team will be likely to obsess over how to stop the other from scoring. The sheer amount of firepower in both teams means a tight game seems highly unlikely. For fans of both sides and neutrals attending Saturday’s game, an old-fashioned game of, if you score one, then we’ll score two, will surely leave few people disappointed in the end, whatever the result.

Route to the quarter-finals

Saints: Round 1: Bye, Round 2: 4-1 v Ness (H), Round 3: 3-5 v Stornoway Athletic (A)

Wick Groats: Round 1: 4-1 v Helmsdale (H), Round 2: 1-7 v Merkinch (A),

Round 3: 1-8 v Westside (A)

Players to watch

Saints: Angus Campbell (Nooie): Although the midfielder can look quite languid and disinterested at times, he possess an unerring ability to glide past opponents and has the foresight to create space for his teammates.

Wick Groats: Sandy Sutherland: With three goals so far in the competition, he could provide the main attacking threat for Groats’ in the absence of Graham Macnab.

Click here for Am Paipear’s interview with Saints’ manager, Stephen MacAulay.

Uist and Barra League

Southend has hit form after recent defeats to Barra (pictured in red) and Saints.

Friday 19th June

Southend (3rd) v North Uist United (4th) – Daliburgh (6.30pm)

From second bottom of the league to two wins off second spot – prior to Barra’s win against Eriskay on Thursday night – it’s been quite a week for Southend. In Am Paipear’s preview of last weekend’s fixtures, we said that: ‘Southend’s performances, if not their results have shown promise’, well those efforts have, in the last two matches, transformed into results as they have put back-to-back defeats behind them to record two successive victories and in doing so moved themselves up to third position in the league.

Due to previous fixture cancellations, Southend and North Uist United will meet for the second time in three days, Southend won 1-2 away at Paible on Tuesday. Southend will be hoping that Duncan MacQuarrie can continue his recent run of form which has seen him score 3 goals in his last two matches. After coming off the bench to score twice in the 1-3 win away to Eriskay, MacQuarrie was rewarded with a starting place against North Uist, and scored again to help his side record another win.

North Uist, who themselves, were third this time last week, go into the game looking to arrest a two-game losing run and with a superior goal difference to Southend, they know a win would leapfrog them back into third place.

Barra will look to the likes of Craig Ferguson to help them go top this weekend

Saturday 20th June

Barra (2nd) v Benbecula (5th) – Castlebay, Barra (12.30pm)

It’s been a strange week for Barra, they scored three goals against the reigning champions Saints last Saturday, but were comprehensively beaten 3-6, they then conceded three away to the bottom side Eriskay on Thursday, but ran out comfortable winners in the end by a 3-5 scoreline.

Despite their erratic form of late, Barra know that with Saints in action in the Highland Amateur Cup, they have the chance to go top, albeit they will have played two games more. On paper Benbecula, currently in fifth position, are a team who many would believe unlikely to provide a real test for Barra, well perhaps a week ago that is. On Tuesday night, Benbecula recorded, what is so far, the result of the season in the Uist and Barra league with a stunning victory over the hitherto undefeated reigning champions, Saints. Benbecula went one better than Barra has managed this season with a 3-2 victory over the champions, which was aal the more impressive given the form Saints were in prior to the match; seven straight wins, and 35 goals scored.

After their disappointing defeat to Saints, Barra will be looking to use their win over Eriskay as a springboard to build up some momentum. The title challengers have now conceded 21 goals in the league, which is the same number as Benbecula, but they do have the attacking prowess to propel themselves back into the race for the championship, and in James Davidson, the leading scorer in the league with 11 goals.

Benbecula has proven they are a match for any team on their day, the problem is they have so far lacked consistency and failed to win two matches in a row in the league this season, their win recent win against Saints was preceded by a defeat against North Uist. If they were to win against Barra, it would be real proof that their famous win was not just a flash in the pan.

Uist and Barra League – Preview

June 12, 2015

This weekend’s fixtures include a battle at the bottom, as sixth-placed Eriskay welcome Southend in fifth, with both in need of a win. Third-placed North Uist United host Benbecula, who have played one game fewer but could move above United with a victory, and it’s first versus second, as Barra currently leading the league by virtue of goals scored, travel to the reigning champions, Iochdar Saints, who are lying in wait to reclaim top spot should they win on Saturday.

With 114 goals scored so far and, incredibly, no matches drawn as yet, it should prove to be another exciting round of matches in the Uist and Barra League.

By Adam Gordon

Friday 12th June

North Uist United (3rd) v Benbecula (4th) (Kick-off 6.30pm)

North Uist in action against Iochdar Saints

Despite their midweek defeat by Saints, North Uist will be bouyed by their victory over Eriskay last Saturday, which gave them their first league win since 17th April, that coincidentally was also against Eriskay. Goals from Dave Darcy, Fraser MacDonald, Andy MacQuarrie and a brace from top scorer, Keith MacDonald earned them a 6-2 win away from home and brought a run of three consecutive defeats to an end.

Benbecula will be looking to avoid such a record themselves as they have lost their last two matches, with their most recent league win coming against tonight’s opponents in a 2-0 success over United. Andrew Macsween scored twice that day and was also on the scoresheet when the two sides met in the Highland Amateur Cup, back at the start of May, when Benbecula ran out 3-0 winners.

United will be looking to build on their victory last Saturday and gain some momentum in what now looks to be a race for third place. Benbecula will hope that their forward line, who have scored at least two goals in each of their last four league matches, can make the difference in what should be a tight encounter.

Recent form (last 3 three league matches)

North Uist United Benbecula

Loss 1-3 v Saints Loss 3-2 v Eriskay

Win 6-2 v Eriskay Loss 2-5 v Barra

Loss 5-1 v Barra Win 2-0 v North Uist United

Previous meeting

Benbecula 2-0 North Uist United – Friday 24th April

Goalscorers

Andrew Macsween x 2

Top scorers

North Uist: Keith MacDonald – 4

Benbecula: Andrew Macsween – 6

Friday 12th June

Eriskay (6th) v Southend (5th) (Kick-off 6.30pm)

Southend’s Andrew MacIssac in action against Barra

While Saturday’s match, is indeed, a battle between the teams currently in fifth and sixth place, respectively, in the league, to term this match a battle of the bottom sides is perhaps a bit spurious. With just three points between North Uist United in third and Eriskay in sixth, this week’s results could very well start a four-way battle for third spot as oppose to one team being cut adrift at the bottom.

In fact, both teams have won one of their last three matches, but for Southend in particular, recent results have highlighted a need for great improvements defensively with seventeen goals now conceded in their last two league games, albeit against the top two; Saints (10-2) and Barra (1-7). Eriskay will perhaps also be licking their wounds after a 6-2 defeat last weekend to North Uist United.

Despite those heavy losses, Southend, curiously, given the final scorelines, were competitive in both of those matches. In the match against Saints they showed great character to equalise after going a goal down away to the champions and were, in fact, level with half an hour remaining before the floodgates opened. Similarly against Barra, they took the lead before ceding control of the match.

Eriskay’s only league win, so far, came against Benbecula on 26th May, Dominic MacAulay, Callum Campbell and Jack Walker were the goalscorers. Their manager, Martin Macaulay will be hoping that the likes Dominic MacAulay and Jack Walker, who both have three goals so far this season, will be able to add to their tally and secure a much-needed win for the team.

While it would be easy to lay blame on the defences of both sides’ , greater resolve and solidity is required throughout the whole team to ease the burden on the respective rearguards. Southend has a young team, whose recent performances, if not their results, have shown promise. They can take heart from the character they displayed in drawing level against Saints for a period, and giving Barra an early scare in their last game. Eriskay can also look to the thin margin separating themselves from the teams above them, knowing that a win on Saturday could possibly take them to within a point of third place.

Recent form (last 3 league games)

Eriskay Southend

Loss 2-6 v North Uist Loss 1-7 v Barra

Win 3-2 v Benbecula Loss 10-2 v Saints

Loss 3-5 v Barra Win 6-2 v Eriskay

Previous meeting

Southend 6-2 Eriskay – Friday 24 April

Goalscorers

Southend: Danny Steele x 3, Shaun MacCormick x 2, Daniel MacDonald

Eriskay: Callum Campbell x 1, Dominic MacAulay x 1

Top Scorers

Eriskay: Niko Revol, Jack Walker and Dominic MacAulay – All 3

Southend: Andrew MacIssac – 4

Iochdar Saints (2nd) v Barra (1st) (Kick-off 1.00pm)

Barra on the attack during their recent victory over Southend

The irresistible force meets the immovable object as the pretenders to the throne, Barra visit the reigning champions, Iochdar Saints in the match of the weekend at Liniclate. Barra currently lead the Uist and Barra League on account of having scored a greater number of goals, 30 to Saints’ 29, although Saints has played one game fewer.

Both teams go into this much-anticipated match-up with a goal difference of plus eighteen and with both in fantastic form. Saints has won every one of their first six matches so far, only Barra and North Uist have restricted their margin of victory to one goal, such has been their ability to simply out-score the opposition. Barra though, look a slick and cohesive team this season, and with just the solitary defeat to Saints at the end of April, they will fancy their chances of extending their winning run in the league to six matches in a row

The attacking prowess of the top two has been there for all to see lately, with Barra chalking up 12 goals in their last two leagues matches, whereas Saints have scored 13 in the same period, including a 10-2 defeat of Southend.

While Saints seem to have the habit of winning in their DNA, Barra has exhibited a real panache in their play. This was evidenced in their last victory against Southend, when they performed with great skill and real imagination to overturn a one-nil deficit to win comprehensively. Craig Ferguson’s head might well have inflated, such has been the praise for him in Am Paipear’s recent coverage, but suffice to say the Barra talisman has the intelligence and ability to cause Saints a lot of problems and the potential to be the difference between the two teams. His form coupled with the goalscoring threat of James Davidson should certainly keep the Saints defence on their toes during what promises to be a fantastic encounter.

Like all true champions, however, Saints has no shortage of match-winners. Angus Campbell and Joseph MacInnes are just a couple of names that spring to mind, who will pose real problems to Barra’s designs on usurping Saints’ position as top dogs. Harry Luney will also be key, if the Saints are to come out on top against their closest challengers. The midfielder’s ability to control the tempo of the game and provide a calming presence in the centre of the pitch makes him a hugely important player for the home side.

Although most of the focus is likely to be on the attacking players, the teams’ respective defences have played pivotal roles this season. Players such as ‘Neally boy’, a rugged yet highly reliable rock at the the back for Barra, and the versatile and impressive Brendan Macphee for Saints, have both been key players this season. In truth, picking out just a few players, is perhaps unfair, such has been the consistency shown by both teams during the campaign so far.

With top spot at stake as well as bragging rights, the two teams likely to compete for the league title this season have a lot to play for. Barra has been in excellent form lately and have the makings of a great team, while Saints have the experience and the know-how needed to win the title. As a contest it remains too difficult to call, what can be said is that a great match lies in wait.

Recent form (Last 3 league games)

Saints Barra

Win 1-3 v North Uist Win 1-7 v Southend

Win 10-2 v Southend Win 5-1 v North Uist

Win 2-3 v Barra Win 2-5 v Benbecula

Previous meeting

Barra 2-3 Saints – Saturday 25th April

Goalscorers

Barra: Neil Sinclair x 1, James Davidson x 1

Saints: Angus Campbell x 1, Ally Downie x 1, John MacDonald x 1

Top scorers

Saints: Angus Campbell – 7

Barra: James Davidson and Craig Ferguson – Both 8

Stayed tuned to the Am Paipear website for pictures from Saints v Barra.

Barra in seventh heaven as goal-fest takes them top

June 10, 2015

Uist and Barra Football League: Match of the week

Southend 1 Barra 7

– Southend hammered after taking the lead

– Barra move ahead of Saints by virtue of goals scored

By Adam Gordon

Barra regained top spot in the Uist and Barra league after a superb victory over Southend at the new pitch at Daliburgh on Thursday, 4th June. Forget Yule Bryner and Steve McQueen, it was Craig Ferguson and James Davidson who assumed the roles of sharp shooters as they each scored hat-tricks in Barra’s very own production of the Magnificent Seven.

The result was all the more impressive given the start made by the home side, as it was Southend that took the lead inside the opening ten minutes of the game. Paul Steele showed great ability to cut inside the Barra defence at the edge of the box and strike the ball into the top corner beyond Cailean MacArthur to make it 1-0.

Unfortunately for the hosts their auspicious beginning to the game was not to last, as Barra soon drew level. James Davidson, who had scored in his side’s Co-op Cup quarter-final victory over Lochs in their previous match, took advantage of some slack defending by Southend to beat the offside trap and round the goalkeeper before simply placing the ball into the empty net.

With the scoreline now 1-1 after just 20 minutes and Southend’s lead wiped out, Barra quickly started to dominate proceedings. A neat passage of play between Craig Ferguson and Roddy MacInnes down the left-hand side created space for James Davidson, whose whipped ball across the face of the goal caused panic among the Southend defence, but ultimately failed to find a teammate.

By this point, goalscoring chances for Southend were few and far between, they did, however, cause some concern within the Barra defence when Andrew MacIssac evaded his marker inside the box, although his lobbed effort failed to test MacArthur.

Barra’s slick passing game and fluid attacking approach was rewarded in the 25th minute when they deservedly took the lead. Craig Ferguson continued where he left off from his man-of-the-match performance in Barra’s Co-op Cup win, by unleashing a fierce strike from inside the box, which hit the underside of the crossbar, before leaving the Southend goalkeeper stranded, to put his side 2-1 ahead.

With top spot in the league up for grabs, Barra began to lay siege to the Southend goal and it wasn’t long before they added to their lead. Ferguson again played a pivotal role, this time as creator. Receiving the ball just past the halfway line and spotting the run of his teammate, he bypassed the Southend defence with an inch-perfect ball with the outside of his right boot, straight into the path of James Davidson, who rounded the goalkeeper once more to put Barra 3-1 up after 35 minutes.

Second half

Southend and Barra battle for the ball during their match at Daliburgh

While half-time was certainly a welcome reprieve for Southend, the second half started in much the same fashion as the first ended, with Barra thoroughly in control. Craig Ferguson wasted no time in testing the Southend goalkeeper, to force a corner for his team. Barra scored their fourth of the game from the resulting set-piece, this time it was Ally MacInnes who exploited some poor marking within the home team’s 6-yard box. MacInnes found space to flick the ball with the under-sole of his right boot into the net to put the game out of sight within two minutes of the restart.

Southend, to their credit, never gave up, but despite the best efforts of Andrew MacIssac and Paul Steele, who laboured hard to claw a way back into the game for their team, they failed to break down the visitors’ defence. MacArthur, again highlighted his credentials as arguably the league’s best goalkeeper with a good block to prevent MacIssac.

While goals were proving hard to come by for the home team, profligacy was not a problem where the Barra attack were concerned. James Davidson, who had scored twice in the first half, completed his hat-trick following some excellent passing play. The move began with a clever one-two between Craig Ferguson and Michael Davidson, Ferguson then broke down the right wing and found James Davidson with a fine cross, and the striker confidently finished from close range, for his third and Barra’s fifth.

With the score now 5-1 in Barra’s favour, the hosts went about desperately tried to reduce the deficit. Again it was MacIssac who looked the most threatening, but his shot was easily dealt with by MacArthur in the end.

Barra, though, were not merely content to ride out the game and you could have been mistaken for thinking that they were the team chasing the game rather than Southend, such was their desire to attack. Craig Ferguson was in irrepressible form as he twice went close to increasing his team’s tally to a cricket score. First he bamboozled the Southend defence was a fine piece of skill, rolling the ball from his left foot to his right, but his effort could only find the side-netting. Then he was unlucky not to score a second, as his close range shot came back off the post, with the home defence in complete disarray.

Ally MacInnes; scorer of Barra’s fourth with a neat flick from a corner

With just 53 minutes gone, Ferguson was running the home team ragged, such was his movement, imagination and skill. A fantastic dummy just inside his own half, left his marker for dead, as the young playmaker let the ball pass through his legs before rounding his opposite number to collect possession once more, his precise curled through-ball found Michael Davidson down the right wing, but his teammate’s attempt also rebounded back off the post.

The good fortunate enjoyed by the Southend defence would soon prove to be temporary as the visitors increased their lead even further. Despite being the standout player on the pitch, Ferguson was given an inordinate amount of room within the Southend box, and had ample time to compose himself to score his second from around the penalty spot. Incredibly, that goal made the score: Southend 1 Barra 6, with half an hour still remaining.

While the damage to the home side’s hopes of gaining any points had well and truly been done, the scoring was not yet over. James Davidson, who by this point had already claimed a hat-trick, turned creator to set-up Craig Ferguson. Davidson went on a fantastic 30-yard run, driving at the Southend rearguard and drawing defenders out of position. The run opened up space for Ferguson, who Davidson found 12 yards out, enabling his teammate to finish, and like Davidson complete his hat-trick to make it 7-1 to Barra after 65 minutes.

Barra’s Cailean MacArthur does well to block an effort by Southend’s Andrew MacIssac

Despite a late flurry of attempts, including a fine effort by Jamie McCall which hit the post from 20 yards out and good save from MacArthur to block MacIssac, Southend were unable to pull another goal back, and the game ended Southend 1 Barra 7. A combination of the sublime by Barra, especially the contributions of Craig Ferguson and James Davidson, to the ridiculous, in terms of some of Southend’s defending, sealed a commanding victory for the visitors.

Post-match observations

Southend: For the home team, the result marked another crushing defeat, with seventeen goals conceded in their last two matches. Southend’s need to improve their defensive shortcomings is urgent, if they are to avoid becoming the whipping boys of the league. While the team is full of promising young players and plenty of experienced heads, their frailties at the back have to be addressed to enable those players to fulfil their potential this season.

Barra: Conversely, the visitors look like genuine title contenders and a real threat to Iochdar Saints’ ambitions of retaining the league championship. With a fine goalkeeper in Caliean MacArthur, a solid defence, a good footballing ethos and arguably the league’s most creative talent in Craig Ferguson, they appear to have all the parts in place to challenge for silverware. Their next league game against the reigning champions, Iochdar Saints should give a greater indication of whether they are in fact the real deal this season.

Man-of-the-match: Craig Ferguson, Barra

Craig Ferguson; scored a hat-trick and provided two assists.

The attacker/midfielder’s ability to read the game and roam freely around the pitch renders him a tough opponent to mark for the opposition. Equally adept at assisting his teammates as he is scoring, Ferguson’s pass to set-up James Davidson for Barra’s third goal, was a moment of real quality.

Match Statistics

Southend:

Goals 1, shots on-target 4, shots off-target 2, corners 5, freekicks 4

Yellow cards 0, red cards 0

Barra:

Goals 7, shots on-target 9, shots off-target 4, corners 2 , freekicks 3

Yellow cards 0, red cards 0

Referee: Harry Luney

Every team has something still to prove as the league comes to a close

Much still to play for in the race for the title and third place

Buoyant Barra make history to win Co-op Cup

Point chase quadruple as Barra aim to make history

Saints and Barra both in action as title race heats up

Champions take on pretenders to the throne as the league’s top two meet

Barra wear down North Uist to extend their lead

Uist and Barra League and Highland Amateur Cup Previews

Uist and Barra League – Preview

Barra in seventh heaven as goal-fest takes them top

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