Football

Gary Manson expects to see “two evenly matched teams going at it” when Turriff United visit Harmsworth Park in the Highland League this weekend.

It was another positive result for Caithness United’s under-14s in Highland Youth League action last weekend.

A one-sided victory was not without its challenges as Caithness United’s goalkeeper had to save a penalty to keep a clean sheet.

Gordon MacNab forced in a late goal against Huntly at Harmsworth Park but it wasn’t enough to prevent Wick suffering a seventh home defeat in a row.

Speaking after Huntly’s 2-1 win at Harmsworth Park, Colin Charlesworth said he believes Wick Academy are in a false position in the bottom four.

Wick will have to watch out for Huntly’s prolific forward Angus Grant, “the in-form player in the league at the moment” in the words of Gary Manson.

Halkirk United and Thurso will both be on their travels in the North Caledonian League on Saturday after being left idle last weekend.

On a weekend that saw most football in the north falling victim to the weather, Wick Academy went storming to the top of SHFL Under 18 North.

They have lost their SFA entry level licence.

Former Highland League club Fort William have lodged an appeal after their bid for an SFA entry level licence was turned down by the governing body.

Wick Academy will be hoping to end a run of four consecutive defeats in all competitions when they travel to Fraserburgh in the Highland League.

Thurso will be eager to avenge their defeat to Bunillidh Thistle at the start of this month when the teams meet again at the Dammies on Saturday.

Halkirk United have a chance this weekend to do the double over Fort William and maintain their advantage at the top of the North Caledonian League.

Caithness United under-16s will need to improve their decision-making in the final third, as well as their finishing, coach Kevin Miller says.

Hearts legend John Robertson will be visiting Thurso’s four schools December 4, then taking part in training sessions for primary-age youngsters.

Wick Academy made it 10 out of 10 in SHFL Under 18 North with a 7-2 victory at Keith, although coach Scott Bremner wasn’t happy with the first half.

Midfielder Gary Pullen has acknowledged Academy will need to keep working hard to get out of the “rut” that has seen them lose their last four games.

Players and committee members of John O’Groats Football Club have completed their virtual end-to-end challenge, raising more than £1500.

Thurso manager Tom McKenna insists his twin focus for the time being is on establishing a settled squad and building up performance levels.

Owen Harrold missed last weekend’s cup defeat at Huntly and manager Gary Manson expects the 28-year-old to be out until the middle of December.