Whalsay are Parish Cup winners

Whalsay triumphed in the 62nd Parish Cup final at Gilbertson Park yesterday, defeating Delting 2-1 at Gilbertson Park in Lerwick.

The match was played in terrible conditions, with a continual blustery wind and frequent squally showers, but to their great credit the players on both sides managed to dish up a creditable spectacle for the large crowd.

Whalsay took the lead midway through the first half when left back Richard Arthur headed home an Allister Johnson free kick. The game was very even after that, with Whalsay just shading things on possession.

Delting came out with renewed vigour after the break and deservedly equalised on the hour mark with a goal more than worthy of the occasion.

Veteran midfielder Ross Jamieson, who had an earlier 30-yard free kick attempt from the right well held by Whalsay keeper Grant Thomson, this time lined up to take one from similar distance on the left hand side of the park. Jamieson’s kick was an absolute peach, heading straight for the top right-hand corner of the net to give Thomson no chance.

At this stage the game looked like it may well be destined for extra time, a prospect many of the bedraggled spectators were not looking forward to. But with 10 minutes remaining Stuart Shearer came up with the goods for the Bonnie Isle side.

Receving the ball just outside the box, the lanky striker cut inside, beat a player and rifled a right-foot shot past the despairing Delting keeper Ian Devonald.

Delting had little more to offer and it was Whalsay who could have doubled the lead were it not for the efforts of Devonald.

Whalsay captain Thomson received the coveted Parish Cup from association president Iain Smith while Arthur was chosen as man of the match by John Scott Christie.

• Full report and more photos in Friday’s Shetland Times.