A gr-eight start but boss plays down talk of title
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PATIENCE was a virtue that served Staxigoe United well as the CAFA Division One leaders bided their time to eventually hammer eight past hapless Halkirk.
A hat-trick from Martin Banks, a brace by Sam Barclay and one apiece from Gordon MacNab, Cameron Sutherland and Kyle Henderson helped them to a comprehensive 8-1 win at Recreation Park.
They even found time to give Halkirk a helping hand as Colin Sinclair put the ball into his own net to bag a consolation for the hosts.
However, United boss Andrew Banks admitted that his troops had to play the waiting game before they were able to cut loose.
“I said to the boys before the game that they had to be patient and not take any unnecessary risks,” he said.
“The score was 1-0 to us in the 35th minute and then afterwards our patience began to be rewarded.
“I did expect the game to be a bit closer than it was, as Halkirk in the past have been tough to play against.
“I don’t think they’re a bad side – it’s just that a lot of things clicked for us.
“I was delighted for Martin. He’s not normally renowned for goalscoring but he got a well-deserved hat-trick.
“Sam I was very pleased with. He’s only 15-years-old yet he came off the bench to score twice.
“He also plays for Wick Academy’s under-17s and we think he’s a real prospect.
“It was a good all-round performance – although poor Colin took a bit of stick for his own goal. He missed a penalty the other week so he’s not had the best of luck.”
With the flying start Staxigoe have made, it is tempting at this early stage to see them as contenders for the title. However, Banks is not even entertaining any talk about winning the championship with just two games having been played.
He added: “I think you have got to look at Wick Groats and Pentland United as being favourites for the title.
“We’ll just be trying to compete for as long as we can.”
Not so dismissive of Staxigoe’s chances was Wick Groats boss Kevin Anderson.
His own side kept up their fine start to the season by bagging, like Staxigoe, an 8-1 win for themselves at home to John O’Groats.
Graham MacNab led the way with an impressive four goals with Martin Sutherland (two), Ben Sinclair and John Budge also on target.
Iain Green’s penalty was John O’Groats’ solitary reply.
The victory takes them into second spot – only behind Staxigoe, who are top of the table courtesy of having scored one more goal than Wick Groats this season.
Anderson said: “The title has usually been between ourselves and Pentland in recent seasons.
“Usually you have Staxigoe and Thurso Acks to provide tough tests for both of us, but I reckon Staxigoe could really mount a serious challenge this year.
“As for ourselves, it was another good win.
“We were surprised at the scoreline as John O’Groats have given us some tough games in the past.
“However, the boys did really well and Graham MacNab showed that on his day he can be lethal in front of goal.”
