Aberdour: Shinty club's first team win in South Division One

The West Fifers hosted Ardnamurchan in their second match of the campaign and picked up both points thanks to a fine 5-1 victory.

Having lost 2-0 at Ballachulish the previous week, in which a depleted squad of 12 players created plenty of chances, they managed to take them at Silver Sands to go third in the table.

Logan Adam, inside the opening minute, put the hosts in front, and further goals from David Murray and Angus Thorburn extended their advantage before the interval.

Both Adam and Thorburn added to their tallies early in the second half and, although Herbie Patterson netted for the visitors, it was Aberdour's day.

Lisa MacColl, head coach and founder of the club, commented: "We started well and Logan Adam got a goal within 44 seconds, which was really good to see.

"There were lots of lessons to learn after the first game against Ballachulish, so to score in 44 seconds shows they've taken those lessons on board.

"Ardnamurchan are a good, young, fit team, and we knew it wouldn't be an easy game. We had loads of opportunities and the good thing was that we were taking them."

MacColl also praised the team for their communication, fighting to win the ball and creating space, as well as the performance of 19-year-old midfielder, Andrew Van Loon, who was picked as man of the match.

"They probably needed it (the victory), a bit of confidence, and it was nice to see the new forward line working really well together," MacColl continued.

"They're a group of young lads with a few experienced heads around. They have to learn how to step up and play at this level, and that's what this year is about for us.

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"They showed great promise and signs on Saturday."

In South Division Two, Aberdour's seconds hosted Bute, after the fixture was reversed from Rothesay.

With many of the players previously in that side transitioning to the firsts, another fresh group started well and opened the scoring through Lewis Thorington, but a red card issued to Kevin McKell before half-time put 'Dour at a disadvantage.

Second half goals from John MacCallum and Neil McKirdy won it for Bute, leaving Aberdour with one point from two games, after their opening weekend draw with Uddingston.

"It was a tightly-contested game," MacColl added.

"Unfortunately, we went a man down in the first half, which was disappointing. The team had a bit of an uphill battle but they coped really well.

"It was a tough slog on a heavy pitch with a new group, but it was a really good performance.

"The play is there, the ability of the youngsters coming through is there, and there's good experienced heads around the park."

This Saturday, Aberdour's seconds host Strachur-Dunoon at midday, before the firsts play Kyles Athletic afterwards at 3pm.

Meanwhile, in the WCA (Women's Camanachd Association) Mowi National Division, Aberdour's ladies team's scheduled match at Skye on Sunday was awarded to their opponents due to being unable to field a team.