Football: Whalsay snatch first silverware

THE WHALSAY squad have truly set the pace for the season with a convincing victory at home over Scalloway, though the final score does not perhaps reflect the balance of play in Monday’s night’s Highland Fuels cup final.

Whalsay 3 v Scalloway 0

A blustery night in Whalsay saw these two teams contest the final of this season’s curtain opener.

Whalsay took the lead after 15 minutes when some good build up play ended with Alistair Johnson turning on the edge of the box and curling the ball past the diving Scalloway keeper.

With Scalloway at this stage probably not deserving to be behind, it was an even bigger blow to them when they were taken apart again 10 minutes later when a counter attacking move ended with Bryan Irvine firing the ball into the far corner from the edge of the area.

The second half saw Scalloway almost pull a goal back when Robert Garriock had a great chance, but shot wide from eight yards.

Whalsay were in the ascendancy by now though and were creating some decent chances, the best of which saw Irvine strike the post.

Whalsay eventually pulled further ahead when good work on the left by Johnson ended with a cross to the back post where Irvine was waiting to tap in his second goal.

To their credit Scalloway kept pushing and Garriock went close again with a free kick with 20 minutes left.

Shortly after this Keith Pearson had to leave the field with a shoulder injury and with Whalsay having used their three substitutes they were forced to see out the remainder of the game with only 10 men.

Despite some sustained Scalloway pressure near the end Whalsay held firm and after the final whistle were presented with the cup by Shetland Football Association president Magnie Flaws.