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Anglers boss McElroy praises Thurso keeper's heroics


By Matt Leslie

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Halkirk United's Louis Webster flicks the ball into the net past Asa Sinclair but it would be the only time the Thurso keeper was beaten as the Anglers fell to a 2-1 defeat at Morrison Park. Picture: James Gunn
Halkirk United's Louis Webster flicks the ball into the net past Asa Sinclair but it would be the only time the Thurso keeper was beaten as the Anglers fell to a 2-1 defeat at Morrison Park. Picture: James Gunn

HALKIRK United manager Ewan McElroy praised Thurso keeper Asa Sinclair following the Anglers' 2-1 derby defeat in midweek.

United had been hoping to continue their hoodoo over their Caithness rivals in the North Caledonian League but that was shattered on Wednesday night.

Thurso had raced to a 2-0 lead thanks to strikes from Sean Stewart and Conor Trueman. Halkirk laid siege to the Vikings' goal in the final 10 minutes, and Louis Webster gave the Anglers some hope when he pulled one back, but Sinclair was not in the mood to let the ball pass by him a second time.

McElroy said: "If it was not for an in-form Asa Sinclair in goal for Thurso I think we would have come away with a point at the very least.

"It was a frustrating night. I don’t think either team played particular well early on and both were maybe a little rusty. We were missing Stuart Sinclair, Ian Ross, Ryan Sutherland and Bobby Gunn, who were all unavailable.

"In the first half in terms of chances and possession it was pretty equal. I thought we were the better side in the second half and created multiple clear-cut chances.

We struggled to keep possession in the first half-hour.

"The boys will be disappointed with both of Thurso's goals – it was a lapse in concentration on both occasions. These things happen and we move on.

"We managed to get one back with 10 minutes remaining. We had been piling on the pressure at this point and Louis Webster who came off the bench and did well got our goal.

"I think both teams were a little rusty. We struggled to keep possession in the first half-hour and were taking too many touches before moving the ball.

"We improved as the game went on. At 2-1 we had a couple fantastic opportunities to draw level but Thurso’s keeper was on superb form and pulled off some sublime saves."

Halkirk must now pick themselves up quickly as on Saturday they host league leaders Invergordon in the North Caledonian Cup.

McElroy added: "I don’t think losing the derby changes preparation for the cup tie much.

"We know Invergordon are the best team in the league and we know how difficult it will be. They are favourites for the cup on recent form but the boys will be looking forward to it and hoping to cause an upset.

"Murray Mackay picked up a knock on Wednesday night and will definitely be out. We have a couple more niggles that we will assess before the game. However, Chrissy Green played his first minutes after a few months out which is a bonus."

Fixtures

Saturday, February 29 (all kick-offs 2pm unless stated otherwise)

North Caledonian League

Bunillidh Thistle v St Duthus

Thurso v Bonar Bridge

North Caledonian Cup (quarter-finals)

Halkirk United v Invergordon

Orkney v Golspie Sutherland (12.45pm)


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