Anglers have to settle for share of points with Golspie ahead of Caithness derby
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Halkirk United's 2-2 draw with Golspie in midweek was the definitive game of two halves, according to the Anglers' manager Ewan McElroy.
Goals by Stuart Campbell and Sam Barclay put the home side in a strong position on a wet night at Morrison Park, but Golspie hit back through Billy Cairns and Steven Sutherland to secure a share of the points.
Wednesday's result leaves Halkirk ninth in the North Caledonian League going into Saturday's Caithness derby against Thurso at the Dammies. The Anglers have more than twice as many points as the 11th-placed Vikings, who have been licking their wounds after conceding 16 goals in their last two outings.
Speaking after the Golspie match, McElroy said: "It was the definition of a game of two halves. We were excellent in the first half, controlled the game, battled and moved the ball well, and we thoroughly deserved to go in two goals to the good.
"Unfortunately we never really got going in the second half. Both teams had to contend with difficult conditions and it was uncharacteristic of us to concede from two set-pieces.
"Despite not being at our best we still created three fantastic chances in the second half but were unable to convert any.
"We knew Golspie had been on good form, winning their last six games, and I thought it was a really committed and determined display from the lads, particularly the first half. There are plenty of positives and we move on to the next game."
Thurso fell to another heavy away defeat on Saturday as they were hammered 9-2 by Alness United at Dalmore Park. It followed on from a 7-0 loss to Clachnacuddin “A” the previous weekend.
James Murray's late double counted for little as the Vikings were 9-0 down after 77 minutes.
Ryan McFee scored a hat-trick in the opening eight minutes and ended up with a personal haul of six. The others for Alness came from Ryan Dryburgh, an own goal and Jamie Winter.
Second-placed Invergordon kept up their pursuit of leaders Loch Ness by beating Inverness Athletic 2-1 at the Recreation Grounds on Saturday, then picking up three more points with a 3-1 win against Alness United in Dingwall on Wednesday.
Loch Ness came from behind to thump St Duthus 5-1 in Tain on Saturday. Bradi Hulme put the home side in front but Loch Ness hit back with goals from Conor Macphee (2), Liam Taylor (penalty), Scott Morrison and Allan Macphee.
In the Sutherland derby, Golspie hammered Bonar Bridge 7-0 at King George V Park with Billy Cairns getting a hat-trick.
Jamie Tulloch (2), Aiden Drever and Liam Delday were on target for Orkney in their 4-0 home victory over Fort William, while Clachnacuddin “A” defeated Nairn County “A” 3-0.
North Caledonian League results – Saturday: Alness United 9, Thurso 2; Bonar Bridge 0, Golspie Sutherland 7; Invergordon 2, Inverness Athletic 1; Nairn County "A" 0, Clachnacuddin "A" 3; Orkney 4, Fort William 0; St Duthus 1, Loch Ness 5. Wednesday: Invergordon 3, Alness United 1; Halkirk United 2, Golspie Sutherland 2.
Fixtures for Saturday, April 1: Bonar Bridge v Fort William; Inverness Athletic v Alness United; Orkney v Golspie Sutherland; St Duthus v Invergordon; Thurso v Halkirk United (2pm).
