Anglers downbeat but McElroy encouraged by derby point
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Halkirk United manager Ewan McElroy admitted his team were disappointed not to rack up a derby double despite their second-half comeback.
The Anglers grabbed a 1-1 draw against Thurso on Saturday after Kyle Henderson's 73rd-minute header cancelled out Aaron Wilson's strike for the Vikings midway through the first half.
After winning the first derby of the season last month in the Football Times Cup, Halkirk were unable to match that 2-1 victory in this North Caledonian League fixture.
But while United's players were gutted not to have inflicted a successive derby loss upon Thurso, McElroy felt there were plenty of positives to take from the game.
"The boys were a little disappointed not to get the three points in the end," he said.
"In saying that, I was really pleased the lads managed to fight back from a goal down and a point is still a decent result.
"Our full-backs – Ian Ross, Jordan Howden and Murray Mackay when he came on – were brilliant on Saturday and were able to nullify Thurso’s threat going forward for most of the game.
"I thought we played much better in the first half than we did at the Christmas derby.
"We had new loan signing Kuba Kuziol playing his first game. Kuba is a player I have always admired. He is technically very good, and was terrific in tricky conditions.
"The wind certainly played a part and it was difficult for both teams get much of a rhythm – probably not the best occasion for the spectators who braved the match, either.
"I thought we were definitely the better team in the second half and the wind at our backs certainly helped. On another day we could have snatched it, but it was not to be."
Next up for Halkirk United is a trip to Tain for a North Caledonian League fixture against title contenders St Duthus.
St Duthus go into the game fresh from winning the Football Times Cup last weekend.
McElroy said: "It will be a hugely difficult task but one we are relishing. St Duthus are an in-form team and especially difficult on their home turf.
"We've not much in the way of injuries. Ryan Sutherland has been struggling lately and will need at least a week's rest. There are a couple more niggles that we will assess at the end of the week but nothing overly serious."
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