Heading into a match which would settle third place on the ladder, it was a superb strike from James Donlon just before half time that sealed the points for United.

Highlands official Curt Campbell said very little has split the sides all year including the 3-3 draw earlier this season.

“We perhaps shaded the game, even though it was scrappy,” he said. “There was a few chances for our strikers but their keeper did well.”

Campbell was full of praise for the side after their third away win of the season

“The boy’s played very well,” he said. “We did well in the end to hang onto the three points.”

The win sees Highlands move to 29 points, four clear of fourth-placed Helensburgh, with only four rounds remaining.

First-grade coach Brian Hollywood spoke of the importance of finishing in the top four.

“We are probably going to have to win two out of our last three games to ensure we finish in the top four,” he said.

The match was soured for Highlands with goal-scorer Donlon leaving the field in the second half with a hamstring injury that sees him in doubt for next week’s game.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Wednesday, July 30

sport.highlandnews@ruralpress.com