INSPIRED goalkeeping thwarted Aberdour Shinty Club on Saturday as they fell to defeat in a Balliemore Cup tie with Kilmory.

The Silver Sands club's first team, who play in Mowi South Division One, hosted their league rivals in the competition's first round but were beaten 4-0.

Two goals in as many minutes from Euan Gilmour and Nairn Jackson put the visitors ahead at half-time before the former scored two more inside the final five minutes, completing his hat-trick in the process, to seal victory.

In a free-flowing contest, Aberdour had opportunities but couldn't get the better of the Kilmory goalkeeper, and their opponents noted that the scoreline "was not reflective of a much more closely fought match where the main difference was that Kilmory were a bit more clinical in front of goal".

Lisa MacColl, Aberdour's head coach and club founder, said: "It was a game of two goalkeepers.

"As the referee said afterwards, there wasn't really anything between the teams. We had eight decent shots on target and their keeper made four exceptional saves.

"When we don't score, heads can go down and we lose a bit of belief, and end up conceding goals. It's tough in these games - we needto be more clinical.

"When the ball goes forward, we look dangerous and show good play. We're a young, up-and-coming team, and it could've been a while different story."

Aberdour's ladies were also in cup action, on Sunday, when they entertained Glenurquhart in the first round of the WCA (Women's Camanachd Association) Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup.

It proved to be a highly entertaining match which, after extra-time, finished 4-4, with Rebecca Thorington netting a hat-trick, and Riane Cooper also scoring for Aberdour, who couldn't take a great chance to snatch victory at the end of the additional period.

The visitors, however, prevailed on penalties, but MacColl commented: "It was a very good game, back and forward. It's hard when it comes down to penalties, but there was lots of good, open play.

"It was a very exciting game and the spectators thought it was a great game to watch. The team struggled for numbers, but it was nice to have a team and give Glenurquhart a game.

"The girls should be proud. They played really well."

Meanwhile, Aberdour's primary school team will travel to play Tighnabruaich tomorrow (Friday) in the quarter finals of the Mackay Cup competition.

The talented youngsters progressed to the last eight of the event by defeating Glasgow Gaelic School last Thursday, with Matilda Ritchie (2), Murdo MacColl (2), Archie Stewart (2), Callum Blair, Seb Randall and Flynn Wilson all scoring.