Anglers looking to blow off the cobwebs ahead of derby
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Halkirk United manager Ewan McElroy hopes his Anglers can be first to blow away the cobwebs ahead of Saturday's North Caledonian League derby against Thurso.
The Caithness rivals are due to meet at Morrison Park in what should be – future North Caledonian Cup draws permitting – the last local encounter of the season. The fixture was scheduled for Naver but has been switched.
McElroy's men hold the upper hand in this campaign as a win and a draw in the two matches thus far have seen them unbeaten against Stevie Reid's side.
However, all that can change and this weekend's tussle could be decided by which team will be first to shake off the ring rust.
Foul weather has ensured that neither side has had a competitive game for three weeks and whoever can readjust to North Caledonian League football first will more than likely go on to win.
McElroy said: "A week off now and then can help the team rest and recuperate, for sure.
"However, it has now been three weeks and we are all desperate to get back playing.
"It has not been ideal as we were not able to train last week due to the weather. But the boys worked extremely well this week at training and it was good to blow away some of the cobwebs.
"We had been hoping to face Invergordon last week but, looking at the forecast beforehand, I think it was pretty obvious the game would be called off.
Thurso have a strong squad and we know we will have to be at our very best.
"It was a pretty dreadful day and with the strength of the wind it was little wonder ourselves and Thurso’s games were both postponed.
"Hopefully Saturday's match will go ahead. I don’t think there is much between Thurso and ourselves.
"I have said previously I think Stevie has done an excellent job and we always know it will be a difficult game. I think it will be whoever performs better on the day and I am confident the boys can put in a performance.
"Thurso have a strong squad and we know we will have to be at our very best if we want to get anything from the game. They are a tough team to break down and always a threat on the counter.
"Bobby Gunn and Stuart Sinclair are still unavailable and we have a couple of new niggles to assess.
"However, we hope to have Kuba Kuziol and Ryan Sutherland back, while Chrissy Green is not a million miles away after a lengthy lay-off."
Meanwhile, with Highland League side Wick Academy believed to have a number of players out of contract before the end of the season, McElroy is guarded on whether or not the Anglers will be hoping to reel in any new blood for the next campaign.
He added: "We are just looking to finish the season as best we can and once that is all done and dusted we can have a think about our next steps.
"What I will say is that I have been hugely encouraged with what I have seen in such a short time at the club."
