Anglers 'looking forward to getting going again' in rearranged cup clash with Invergordon
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Halkirk United are hoping their North Caledonian Cup tie at home to Invergordon will go ahead at the second attempt after it fell victim to last weekend's stormy weather.
The first-round match has been rearranged for Saturday – the first of two games scheduled at Morrison Park in the coming days, as the Anglers are due to face Thurso in a North Caledonian League fixture on Tuesday night.
That one had been pencilled in for Tuesday this week but was called off because of high winds.
Halkirk United manager Ewan McElroy admitted the postponements had been frustrating, although he had no complaints with either decision.
"All the boys are looking forward to getting going again," he said. "It’s frustrating for sure, but at the same time I think it has been the correct decision on both occasions."
The Thurso game had originally been scheduled for January 22 but was postponed because of Covid-19 issues.
Halkirk, who were beaten on penalties by Thurso in the Football Times Cup final in November, would relish another cup run but Invergordon – who are second in the table – are sure to be difficult opponents.
The Anglers can take encouragement from their performance against the Easter Ross side when they visited Morrison Park on league business last month – McElroy's men recovered from being 2-0 down to win 4-2.
Invergordon established a two-goal lead inside 20 minutes that day, courtesy of Ken Morrison and Cameron Mackintosh. But James Mackintosh pulled one back and Jonah Martens levelled on the stroke of half-time.
Kyle Henderson put the home side in front midway through the second half and Mackintosh made sure of the points in the closing stages with his second of the afternoon.
McElroy has described Invergordon as "always strong, well drilled and hard to beat".
In midweek, Halkirk will be seeking to avenge their cup final loss to the Vikings. The match at Wick ended 2-2 at 90 minutes, after Halkirk twice came from behind, and Thurso went on to win 3-2 on penalties.
In the league derby on the opening day of the season, the Anglers were 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Andy Mackay, Korbyn Cameron and Jonah Martens.
Fixtures: Saturday – North Caledonian League: Alness United v Orkney.
North Caledonian Cup, first round: Bonar Bridge v Thurso (1pm); Halkirk United v Invergordon (1pm); Inverness Athletic v St Duthus. North Caledonian Cup, quarter-final: Golspie Sutherland v Loch Ness.
Tuesday, February 8 – North Caledonian League: Thurso v Halkirk United (Morrison Park, 8pm).
