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Bremner wants 'a far better performance' as Thurso take on Nairn





Thurso keeper Ryan Bain saves from Inverness Athletic's Fergus McWilliam. Picture: James Gunn
Thurso keeper Ryan Bain saves from Inverness Athletic's Fergus McWilliam. Picture: James Gunn

Manager Michael Bremner says Thurso have played well "in patches" in recent games.

But after last weekend's 2-1 home defeat to Inverness Athletic in the North Caledonian League he is looking for an improvement when the Vikings host Nairn County "A" on Saturday.

Ryan Macleod's 18th-minute opener for Athletic was cancelled out two minutes later by a Bobby Gunn penalty after Aaron Wilson had been brought down. Macleod scored a spot-kick of his own before the half-hour mark.

"It was a poor game," Bremner said. "I was disappointed with the way we played.

"I didn't feel we deserved anything as we didn't create any chances, really. The penalty was the only time we really did anything in their box."

It's 11th versus 12th this Saturday as the Vikings take on Nairn, one of only two teams below them in the table.

"I'm looking for a far better performance this weekend," Bremner said. "We've shown in patches in recent games that we can play. We'll just need it all to come together and hopefully we can get a result."

It had been feared that striker James Murray would miss the rest of the North Caley campaign after a couple of head injuries earlier in the season but he returned to the squad at the weekend.

Danni Bruce of Inverness Athletic beats Thurso's Connor Macleod to a high ball. Picture: James Gunn
Danni Bruce of Inverness Athletic beats Thurso's Connor Macleod to a high ball. Picture: James Gunn

"Two positives from Saturday were James Murray and Luke Manson being back on the bench," Bremner said.

"James got the all clear from his head knocks. Luke has been out most of the season with a knee injury and he won't play on Naver, so as it was the Dammies it was good to get him back in.

"The pitch wasn't great but it was good to get a game there and see more people along watching the game."

Loch Ness hit double figures against Bonar Bridge for the second time this season in the North Caledonian League as the top versus bottom clash ended in a runaway 12-1 win for the leaders.

Liam Taylor helped himself to six of the goals at Migdale, including a penalty. There were doubles for Allan Macphee and Mark Kennedy, with Conor Macphee and Shane Harkness also on target for Shane Carling’s side.

Bruce Urquhart scored for Bonar.

Bobby Gunn controls the ball as Inverness Athletic defender Sandy White closes in. Picture: James Gunn
Bobby Gunn controls the ball as Inverness Athletic defender Sandy White closes in. Picture: James Gunn

Fort William followed up their 3-1 victory over Halkirk United by hammering Clachnacuddin "A" 8-2 in Inverness.

Martin Munro claimed a first-half hat-trick for the Lochaber side. Their other goals came from Logan Barker (2), David Forbes, Asad Ahmed and Robbie Rydings.

Ethan McGorran and Kieran Syrjanen replied for Clach colts.

Owen Rendall’s first-half goal gave Orkney a 1-0 home win against Nairn County "A".

Golspie Sutherland beat St Duthus 4-2. Owen Harrold, Billy Cairns, Adam Sutherland and Louis Macpherson scored for the Sutherland side, with St Duthus replying through Kyle Mackenzie and an own goal.

Inverness Athletic striker Luke Mackay beats Thurso defender Rob McLean in the air. Picture: James Gunn
Inverness Athletic striker Luke Mackay beats Thurso defender Rob McLean in the air. Picture: James Gunn

North Caledonian League results: Bonar Bridge 1, Loch Ness 12; Clachnacuddin "A" 2, Fort William 8; Golspie Sutherland 4, St Duthus 2; Invergordon 3, Halkirk United 1; Orkney 1, Nairn County "A" 0; Thurso 1, Inverness Athletic 2.

North Caledonian League fixtures for Saturday, March 11: Bonar Bridge v Alness United; Clachnacuddin "A" v Inverness Athletic; Halkirk United v St Duthus (1pm); Loch Ness v Golspie Sutherland; Orkney v Invergordon; Thurso v Nairn County "A" (1pm).


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