Anglers have shown 'fantastic commitment' while missing out on match days
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Assistant manager Liam Anderson has praised the Halkirk United squad for remaining focused during a prolonged spell without a competitive game.
The Anglers have been hit by postponements over the past three Saturdays but are due to return to action in the North Caledonian League on Wednesday night when Golspie visit Morrison Park.
Halkirk's scheduled match against Orkney at the weekend was put off as ferry sailings were cancelled.
"We have been a few weeks without a game now, which has been frustrating for everyone, but we have been training regularly during this spell," Anderson said.
"The commitment the boys have shown to training twice a week has been fantastic and we can’t speak highly enough of their attitude. Everyone is now very much looking forward to finally getting a game on Wednesday night under the lights."
Anderson feels that Golspie's recent Scottish Cup tie against Forres Mechanics – when the Highland League outfit squeezed through on penalties after a 1-1 draw – underlines the strength of the North Caley scene.
"It is such a competitive league with each team getting stronger every year," he said. "You just need to look at how close Golspie took Forres in their Scottish Cup tie a few weeks ago to see how strong teams are in this division.
"For us, games against Golspie are always close encounters. Golspie are a strong team with some very good players who have a lot of North Caley and Highland League experience, so we expect a tough challenge.
"That said, we have strengthened our squad a lot this season and we ourselves can cause problems for any team in this league."
The Anglers will be without club captain Andy Mackay as he is suspended after receiving a second booking in the club's last game, on September 23.
Anderson said: "It must be the longest one-match suspension going! Andy will be a miss and we will be short of one or possibly two others due to work commitments, but we have strength in depth this season and it’s an opportunity for others to show us what they can do."
St Duthus moved above Halkirk into fifth place in the table after a 4-3 comeback victory over Inverness Athletic in Tain on Saturday.
Aaron Skinner and Ben Bruce both scored twice for St Duthus, with Luke Mackay, Stephen Rennie and Brodie Watson on target for Athletic, who had led 2-0 and 3-1.
Champions Loch Ness had a 3-0 victory over Fort William with goals from Jamie Fraser, Allan Macphee and Sam Urquhart.
Invergordon progressed to the Football Times Cup final after a 3-1 win at Golspie. Korbyn Cameron put the Sutherland side ahead but Invergordon responded with goals from James Ross, Andrew Miller and Ryan McFee.
They will face Inverness Athletic in the final.
Results – North Caledonian League: Loch Ness 3, Fort William 0; St Duthus 4, Inverness Athletic 3. Football Times Cup semi-final: Golspie Sutherland 1, Invergordon 3.
Fixtures – Wednesday, October 18 – North Caledonian League: Halkirk United v Golspie Sutherland (8pm).
Saturday, October 21 – North Caledonian League: Alness United v St Duthus; Bonar Bridge v Invergordon; Fort William v Inverness Athletic; Golspie Sutherland v Orkney (12.30pm); Halkirk United v Clachnacuddin "A" (2pm); Thurso v Loch Ness (2pm).
The assistant manager of Brora Rangers has branded the decision to host this year's Highland League Cup final on a Sunday as a "disgrace".
The Sutherland side reached the final after coming from behind to beat Keith 6-1 at Kynoch Park on Saturday in a rearranged semi-final.
Highland League officials have confirmed that the final between Brora and Fraserburgh will be played at Harlaw Park in Inverurie on Sunday, December 3.
Brora assistant boss Josh Meekings claims the date was chosen with "zero thought" for those involved in the match.
In a social media post, he said: "Delighted to be in the final but think this is a disgrace. Two sets of fans and players (more so ourselves with the three-hour journey) to play a final on a Sunday with the majority having work the next day, I’d imagine.
"Zero thought for those involved by the decision-makers, in my opinion!"
