Orkney FC prevail in eight goal thriller

Orkney FC got their first win of the 2015/16 season as a dominant first half display set them on their way to a 5-3 victory over Alness United.

Played at the immaculate Dounby pitch, Orkney got off to the perfect start after two minutes when an Alness defensive error left a simple tap in for Daniel Hourston. Eight minutes later, the home side doubled their lead courtesy of the penalty spot when Joe Wilson was impeded in the box, and Steve Cunningham confidently put Orkney two ahead.

Orkney’s dream start got even better as they raced into a three goal lead after twenty-five minutes when a goalkeeping error left Hourston with another tap in. Alness pulled one back minutes later when a well-worked short corner routine left an easy header in the box to make it 3-1.

Minutes later, it was 4-1. Orkney were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box and Steve Cunningham curled a sumptuous free kick over the wall and into the net to leave Orkney with a three goal cushion.

While the game appeared to be over at half time, Orkney had the perfect opportunity to extend their lead after fifty minutes when they were given another penalty for an Alness handball. Cunningham stepped up for his hat-trick but the goalkeeper saved.

This spurred Alness into life as they grabbed two goals to set up a nervy finish. With Alness pushing hard for an equaliser, substitute Chris Simpson sealed the victory with a breakaway goal in the final seconds.