United were drinking last chance saloon as the champions arrived in Dunnet already 8 points ahead of United the gap had to close to provide any realistic opportunity of catching Groats. As it turned out United managed to turn a 1 goal deficit into a 3-1 win and cut the gap to 5 having played one fewer but still knowing there is no margin for error remaining.  The early exchanges must have encouraged the United fans as their team minus top scorer Mark Nichol who was a late withdrawal through illness held the upper hand in the early exchanges with James Murray having the best opening after Jamie Mackenzie flicked the ball on to him but his shot only found the sidenet. The roles were reversed after 10 mins when a super run down the right saw Murray find the bye line but the shot lacked conviction and Williamson smothered the ball comfortably. The first moment of controversy came after 17 minutes a long ball from skipper Michael Steven released Murray against Groats player/ manager the striker seemed to use his strength brilliantly to burst passed the central defender leaving him a clean run in on goal but assistant referee Duncan deemed the challenge illegal and flagged for the infringement. To further fuel United’s sense of injustice when Groats took the lead a Grant McNab corner to the edge of the box saw Larnach nod the ball into the danger area and Graham McNab to show razor like reactions to flick the ball into the roof of the net with his back to goal. United this season have not coped well with the loss of a goal but on this occasion they responded magnificently Ross Allan showed his menace racing passed Martin Sutherland and sending in a tantalising cross, which Miller defended very well at he near post. The equaliser came really out of nothing Jamie Mackenzie picked up the ball in the left channel feinted to go one way then the next giving him just enough room to curl a ball into the danger area that everyone attacked but no-one connected with as it found the bottom left corner of Williamson’s net. The final action of the first half was simplicity itself Gray collected a through ball from Craig Ross and sent the ball back over everyone allowing James Murray to run clear but his shot only found the perimeter fence.

Half time

Pentland United 1-1 Wick Groats

The sizable Ham Park crowd had barely finished their half time tea when United went ahead Mackenzie released Murray in the area and the striker seemed to have delayed the opportunity too long before shooting, however it deflected off Miller on to the post and came back out to Mackenzie who gleefully fired home from a couple of yards. Groats thought they had struck back immediately when Grant McNab burst clear and brought out a diving save from Gray only for Mackay to blast home but assistant Duncan had flagged for offside. It was now turning into a very entertaining game with United probably shading the possession and territory but Groats always dangerous especially from set-pieces and their aerial threat on 60 mins former Wick Academy man Andrew Macleod had a half chance on the volley when Grant Steven could only head out Stewart Ross’ deep freekick to the edge of the area the defender struck it sweetly but it flew over. United responded and Williamson pulled off a wonder save to deny James Murray from after Jamie Mackenzie and topped on Gary Mackay’s long throw somehow the keeper managed to turn the ball on to the post from point blank range. The home side continued to creep forward and Murray again linked up well with Mackenzie who drove to the edge of the box and fired in but Miller managed to block the ball away. With the game flowing one way then the other again the Groats aerial threat came into play again as Grant McNab’s freekick came into the box keeper Gray caused panic with a very poor punch that cannoned off Macleod but the ball fell kindly for the keeper who gathered on the penalty spot. Groats came even closer with 15 mins left when a fine passing move released Graham McNab into the area Gray came out to meet the striker and half blocked him knocking the ball away as McNab recovered he attempted to send the ball back into the danger area again fortune favoured Gray who gleefully picked up the loose ball. Going into the final stages United started to pick Groats off on the counter firstly Ross Allan darted to the bye line and cut the ball back for Jamie Mackenzie but he miskicked at the crucial moment. Then with just under 10 mins left James Murray really should have put the game beyond all reasonable doubt when Mackenzie’s burst to the bye line saw him pull the ball back for his strike partner who seemingly only had to pick his spot but he delayed and was finally blocked out by Miller. The game though was settled on 84 mins Michael Steven at right back fired a long ball for Mackenzie to win yet another header releasing Murray down the right to out pace Macleod and hit a vicious shot across Williamson into the keeper’s right corner.

Full time

Pentland United 3-1 Wick Groats

1. M Gray 2. M Steven (c) 3. G Mackay (L Harrold 86) 4. G Steven 5. B Macintosh 6. L Sutherland 7. M Petrie 8. J Mackenzie 9. J Murray 10. D Mackay (J Mckechnie 87) 11. R Allan (D Manson 83)

View from the goal

A super victory and on the balance I would have to say deserved although it was a decent game all round. We are still a long way behind but it gives us a glimmer of hope again so we will see what the future brings. An outstanding team performance although for me Jamie Mackenzie turned in a master class up front with James Murray. Now we turn our attention back to David Allan Shield duty in Halkirk another tough venue.