So it came down to two games the equation quite simple 6 points required or the league is to stay with long time leaders Wick Groats. As it stands now United are half way there after an indifferent performance, a very nervy first half display complimented by a powerful second period that delivered the required 3 points. It could not have got off to a better start for United Darryn Mackay fed James Murray down the right and the striker drove to the byeline before flashing the ball across goal, Nichol and Munro slid towards the ball with the defender getting the final touch knocking the ball into his own net. This was to be one of the few bright points in the half as United stuttered and stumbled along. Nervy defending and careless passing were offering the young Acks team an encouragement they scarcely required as they took the game to the Dunnet side. Having said that Ross Allan really should have made it 2 on 12 mins when James Murray burst out of a challenge with Sinclair on half way to send the wideman clean in on Clark but the finish lacked conviction as it drifted wide of the keeper’s left hand post. Soon after the winger succumbed to an injury and was replaced with Gary Mackay as United re-shuffled. It was a strange game as Acks controlled large parts of the play but really failing to create that decent opening perhaps they deserved on the balance whilst United every now and then would create a great chance. After 21 minutes good link up play down the right between Macleod and Darryn Mackay saw James Murray fed at the near post and he brought out the very best in reaction saves from Clark as the keeper somehow kept out the effort from 8 yards. Acks continued to make decent breaks but slowly United’s defending improved limiting the town side to set-pieces where Miller continued to ask questions with the visitors standing firm. The best move of the half and arguably the game was on 32 mins Macleod fed Murray mid way inside enemy territory and he flicked a delightful pass round the corner for Darryn Mackay to sweep in a beautiful cross for the diving Nichol and as everyone expected to see the net bulge the effort just missed the keepers left hand post. Right on half time United missed another good chance when Petrie picked up and drove to the edge of the area before threading a beautifully weighted pass through for Murray who drew Clark but failed to negotiate a way around the keeper who bravely smothered the ball at the feet of the striker.
Half time
Acks 0-1 Pentland United
After a disappointing showing in the first period United came straight out the traps keen to make amends and duly doubled their lead less than five minutes in. Nichol fed Murray down the right and he swept another fine ball across goal that Petrie mis-kicked at the near post but fortunately for him the ball rolled on for Harrold to fire into the unguarded net although it was only just on target. This settled United nicely and suddenly Acks were starting to toil although they very nearly grabbed a lifeline on 55 mins. Garry Macleod conceded a foul 30 yards from goal and Miller showed wonderful technique to flash a shot square off the face of the bar with Gray beaten. United though continued to hold the upper hand and grabbed a 3rd minutes later as Garry Macleod’s’ corner was bulleted home via the head of Jamie Mackenzie from 6 yards and the weight visibly transferred from the shoulders of the United team to the Acks players. Tiredness started to become evident as the Acks players struggled to keep with the Dunnet side who stretched their lead further on 65 when a flowing move saw Jamie Mackenzie feed into Nichol on the edge of the box and the ball was beautifully directed into the path of Harrold on the run the full back never broke stride before lashing a right footed shot in from 18 yards to kill the contest. Acks tried to rally and Miller had another freekick from 25 yards but this time Gray comfortably clutched to his chest diving right. Clark used his feet to great effect on 74 minutes blocking away a Nichol drive from 16 yards that if anything was just hit to well. Minutes later he was at it again firstly denying James Murray who flashed in a shot from 12 yards on the angle that the keeper parried and he recovered very well to deny substitute Watts as the winger reached the rebound first diverting it goalwards only for the keeper to block away for a corner. Probably Acks best effort in closing stages came via Halliday who made a positive run to within 25 yards of goal before unleashing a powerful drive that Gray just about managed to shovel away for a corner. Clark was called into action again twice in the closing stages firstly to deal with a Nichol freekick from 20 yards that he comfortably held then to bravely challenge James Murray who had burst into the area and slid in with the keeper who took a sore one in the process.
Full time
Acks 0-4 Pentland United
1. M Gray 2. G Macleod 3. L Harrold (T Watts 68) 4. G Steven 5. B Macintosh 6. M Petrie (D Manson 76) 7. 8. J Mackenzie(c) 9. M Nichol 10. D Mackay 11. R Allan (G Mackay 15)
Subs Not Used
H Coghill
View from the goal
Not exactly the performance we had looked for but getting the 3 points was what was required and we duly got them. I thought the Acks played some lovely tidy football in the first half and did not deserve to go in behind even though we did miss some good chances in the half. It now leaves us heading to Wick faced with the same scenario as we have been facing for some time win or bust. Groats as holders and leaders will go in as favourites but we have done really well to pull ourselves back into contention just hope we can show the necessary attitude to finish the job.