CLUB NEWS 2002

Manager Hector Mackay resigned on Tuesday 6th May, but does u-turn and takes back over for the Highland Amateur defeat at the hands of lowly Ashes from Thurso on Saturday 18th May, Willie Cowie took  over the team  for the 3-2 defeat away to Lairg in the Couper cup semi on Tuesday 14th May.

Paul Cup Walkover

Helmsdale United went through to the final of the Paul cup after a walkover versus Lairg Rovers, who failed to raise a team for their midweek tie in Helmsdale. They will have to play Embo in the Final later in the season and with two league victories over the Embo side this season United will be strong favourites, but United will have to at their best as Embo have been showing good form in the Cup Competitions.

United Closing In On Two In A Row

United are now only one point away from retaining their league title. With two good away wins in the space of four days (see reports below) they have put the challenge down to their nearest rivals Golspie Stafford who have three games in hand, but any dropped points will see Stafford hand the league to United. Provided Golspie win all their games in hand it will set up a league decider where both teams will be going all out for the win, United to get an impressive 100% league record and Stafford to snatch the league away from United.

Shock Amateur Cup Exit

The Highland Amateur Cup saw a big 2nd round shock when the much fancied Helmsdale United fell at the hands of Caithness second division side Ashes. Lairg Rovers also went down to last years champions Wick Thistle, but on a brighter note Golspie Stafford went through beating Kinlochbervie 10-0 and there was also good wins for Dornoch City and Embo.

United Players in County Squad

Helmsdale United have seven players named in the Sutherland County squad to face Caithness. The players are Alan Bokas, Andrew Cairns, Billy Cowie, Malcolm Cowie, Martin Sutherland, John MacAulay and Tommy MacAulay. United also have three players in the U18 squad, they are Angus Flett, Euan Sutherland and Nicky Denoon. The Senior squad are hoping to retain the Portland Bowl which they won last season with a good victory up in Caithness.

The under 18s kick off at 2pm while the seniors kick off at 4pm. Both games are at Dudgeon Park, Brora, on Saturday, 1st June.

Match Report

Shock Cup Defeats

United have suffered two shock cup defeats against Embo. They lost the Pattison Cup semi final on penalties after drawing 1-1 and worse still the final of the Paul Cup 2-1.

See Cups link for full details.

United Drop Out of Stafford Cup

Helmsdale United have paved the way for Stafford's entry into the next round of the Stafford cup. The game, due to be played on 16th May has been cancelled. This is because Helmsdale could not put together a team, due to Bunillidh being involved in a cup tie with Bonar Bridge on the same day. United asked for a fixture change, but Stafford took a firm stance and declined to arrange another date for the game. Stafford had already stated at the start of the season they wouldn't agree to any fixture changes. Stafford are now through to the next round of the Stafford Cup. United will now have to concentrate on league duties and perhaps take revenge on Stafford by increasing their lead in the league.

League Game Cancelled

The recent league meeting between Dornoch City and Helmsdale United which was due to take place on Sat 22nd June had to be cancelled due to not being able to get a referee. The game has now been switched to Wed 26th June with a 7.30pm kick off.

Match Report

Big In Japan !!!

Not only are Helmsdale ruling Sutherland football they are also leading the way in Tokoyo, Japan. See the following website:

http://www.helmsdale-fc.com/