1.10pm 23 July 2022
North West Sutherland Amateur League
Lochbroom 1 Helmsdale United 2 (att 73)
For the second time in just a few weeks I watched as Helmsdale United secured a hard-won three points to remain unbeaten and top of the North West Sutherland League.
Last time was at Inver, while today they were at Ullapool-based Lochbroom. Lochbroom have made a welcome return to football, having been in abeyance for a few years before Covid then wiped out local summer football and delayed their return.
They used to play on a scenic grass pitch at Morefield, where I went in 2006, but the new incarnation plays on a 3G pitch at Ullapool High School. It's a better venue than it sounds, with a small seated stand built onto the side of the school buildings and overlooking the half-way line.
The stand was well used. Helmsdale United hired a coach for the long journey and filled it with supporters as well as players, while Lochbroom had plenty of support of their own.
The game was an excellent advert for amateur summer league football. Both sides were impressive, with Helmsdale getting the first half's only goal with a precise shot from distance about 10 minutes before half time.
Lochbroom put their visitors under increasing pressure in the second half. They were rewarded with a well-worked 80th minute equaliser, but no sooner had they drawn level than they were behind again, to the delight of the travelling Helmsdale fans.
The closing minutes were quite feisty, and the outcome remained in doubt until the referee blew for full time. Ullapool is a bit of a tourist hub, deservedly so, but there can't have been any better entertainment anywhere in the town today.
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