Enthralling day of Parish Cup action

Stromness, Birsay and Firth all gained first leg Parish Cup victories today in a feast of footballing action.

In the day’s first match, defending champions Stromness did as expected and beat Deerness, however they were made to work hard against a resolute and determined outfit.

Two goals from Ryan McFerran and a late Andrew Groundwater goal ensured the West Mainland side will go into the second leg with a 3-0 advantage.

It could have been different for Deerness however as they hit the woodwork twice in the first half.

Birsay beat St Andrews in the 3pm kick-off, however they will be rueing letting a three goal advantage slip.

In a thrilling five-goal match, Birsay steamed ahead as goals from Kieran Rendall and two from Brendan Spence, including a sensational curling effort from the outside of his left boot, put the home side in firm control.

St Andrews hit back however, with Graham Rendall and a late scramble forcing the ball into the net meaning that the second leg is finely poised.

In the day’s final match, Firth beat Stenness in Harray 2-0 with goals from Gary Aim and Sean Shearer.