Anglers see themselves as underdogs in top-of-the-table clash
Table-topping Halkirk United are unaccustomed to being underdogs – but manager Ewan McElroy accepts that will be their role in Saturday’s crunch game against Invergordon.
The reigning North Caledonian League champions go into the match at Morrison Park trailing the Anglers by six points but with three games in hand.
Invergordon have won their last 10 league games and Halkirk United have won their last seven, so something will have to give in the top-of-the-table clash.
“Saturday is obviously a hugely difficult game,” McElroy said. “It’s not often we go in as underdogs but after winning 10 games in a row in the league, and being reigning champions, we know that Invergordon will rightly go in as favourites.
“It’s a game we are all looking forward to. We are on good form and the squad have been training well all year round.
“We are under no illusions about the task at hand but the boys continue to improve as a group and we will certainly be looking forward to challenging ourselves against the champions.”
The Anglers were 2-0 winners when the sides met at Invergordon in September, with goals from Cameron Montgomery and Hasheem Bremner.
Invergordon’s scheduled encounter with St Duthus last weekend was postponed because of frost on the pitch at Grant Park. United re-established their six-point advantage with a 2-0 home victory over Fort William.
Sean Campbell fired in the opener on 35 minutes after a ball over the top from Mark Munro. Sean Munro headed in the second on 67 minutes from a tight angle following a corner.
“It was a disciplined and resolute performance from the squad,” McElroy said. “I don’t think it was the most pleasing on the eye, but it’s another three points and a clean sheet.
“There is still plenty room for improvement but at this stage of the season we got the job done and that was the most important aspect.
“We expected Fort William to sit with five at the back out of possession and it was important to be patient and ensure concentration levels never dropped. The energy levels from our forwards have been vitally important this season and they continue to impress throughout the 90 minutes.
“It’s obviously significant to win your individual battles, but as a squad they are putting in a power of work for each other and it’s that team mentality that is the biggest positive from the weekend for me.”
North Caledonian League top four: 1 Halkirk United (played 18, points 48); 2 Invergordon (15, 42); 3 Golspie Sutherland (18, 39); 4 Inverness Athletic (15, 37).
Results – North Caledonian League: Bunillidh Thistle 1, Bonar Bridge 4; Clachnacuddin “A” 2, Alness United 3; Halkirk United 2, Fort William 0; Orkney 3, Golspie Sutherland 2; Thurso 0, Inverness Athletic 7.
Fixtures – Saturday, February 15 – North Caledonian League: Alness United v Orkney; Fort William v Clachnacuddin “A”; Golspie Sutherland v Inverness Athletic; Halkirk United v Invergordon (1pm); Thurso v St Duthus (1pm).
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