Cup ‘as much of a priority as any other competition’ for Halkirk United
Halkirk United’s title bid will be put to one side this weekend as they turn their attention to the second of the two North Caledonian League knockout competitions.
Coach Liam Sutherland says the Anglers are well motivated for Saturday’s North Caledonian Cup first-round tie at home to St Duthus, having fallen at the first hurdle in the Football Times Cup with a 2-1 defeat at Alness four months ago.
Halkirk United are six points clear at the top of the league but the cup tournaments are just as important, according to Sutherland.
“The North Caledonian Cup is as much of a priority as any other competition we’re involved in,” he said. “We were really disappointed with how early we went out of the Football Times Cup, so we want to get a better run in this one.
“We said at the start of the season that we want to be competing at the top end of the table when the winter break comes, and we’ve managed that – so now it’s all about trying to maintain that level for the rest of the season.
“The squad is in good shape. Obviously with the conditions we haven’t managed to train as much as we would have liked over the winter break but the boys have been keeping fit and looking after themselves, so we’re really looking forward to this weekend.”
Halkirk United have come out on top in all three of their encounters with St Duthus so far this season.
The Anglers progressed 7-6 on penalties after a goalless draw at home in the first round of the North of Scotland Cup in August. In the league they won 1-0 at Morrison Park in August and 2-0 at Grant Park in December.
Sutherland added: “All of our games against St Duthus have been really close this season, so we know it’s going to be a tough challenge, but it’s one that the boys are looking forward to.”
Their first-round loss in the Football Times Cup in September remains the Anglers’ only away defeat this season in a North Caley competition.
Earlier that month they were knocked out of the North of Scotland Cup on penalties by Inverness Athletic in an all-North Caley quarter-final played at Alness, following a 3-3 draw.
Halkirk United maintained their advantage at the top of the table after coming from behind to beat Bonar Bridge 5-1 in their last outing of 2024.
The Anglers have won 14 of their 16 league games and have picked up maximum points from their eight away league fixtures so far. Second-placed Invergordon are six points further back but have three games in hand.
The North Caledonian League was due to return from its festive break last weekend but all fixtures, including the Caithness derby between Thurso and Halkirk United at the Dammies, were postponed because of the wintry conditions.
Four other North Caledonian Cup ties will be played this weekend, weather permitting.
Thurso’s next match is away to champions Invergordon in the league on January 18.
Fixtures for Saturday, January 11: North Caledonian Cup – First round: Alness United v Bunillidh Thistle; Bonar Bridge v Inverness Athletic; Clachnacuddin “A” v Invergordon; Halkirk United v St Duthus (1pm). Quarter-final: Orkney v Golspie Sutherland.
