4pm 18 June 2022
North West Sutherland Amateur League
Inver 1 Helmsdale United 2 (att 70)
Helmsdale United's celebrations at the final whistle were testament to just how challenging this game was, as well as how important the three points may prove by the end of the summer season.
The win means they keep pace with leaders Lairg Rovers, being two points behind and with a game in hand. To achieve it they had to come from behind, overcoming difficult conditions as well as the opposition.
A very strong wind dominated the game, and Inver had it at their backs during a first half in which they scored the opening goal. It was no surprise that Helmsdale dominated the second half, but they didn't have it all their own way.
Inver defending solidly, even after losing their goalkeeper to injury. His replacement could do nothing about the penalty that levelled the scores soon after he came on.
With the clock ticking it looked as if Helmsdale would be frustrated. But eventually their pressure told when they made it 2-1 with only six minutes remaining, to the delight of their travelling supporters.
Despite the name of the league it's no good searching for the village of Inver in North West Sutherland. It's in Ross-shire, not far from Tain. The pitch is just yards from the sea, at high tide anyway, and players change in the village before making their way to it. A few advertising boards help give it the feel of a football ground.
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