Cup exit on penalties but Halkirk United manager is satisfied with squad
Manager Ewan McElroy believes Halkirk United will have “the makings of a really competitive squad” once everyone is fully up to speed this season.
The Anglers suffered an agonising exit from the North of Scotland Cup on Wednesday night, losing on penalties to Inverness Athletic in all-North Caley tie in Alness after taking the lead three times during the 90 minutes. However, McElroy says he is satisfied with the way his players have begun the campaign.
They have taken maximum points from their opening two North Caledonian League fixtures ahead of Saturday’s return trip to Easter Ross to play Alness United in the Football Times Cup.
Mark Munro got a double for Halkirk United at Dalmore Park in midweek, either side of a 30-yard free kick from Stuart Campbell, but they were pegged back each time and it ended 3-3.
“We thought going into the game it was going to be a tight affair and that’s how it panned out,” McElroy said.
“At the start of the season, on paper anyway, both Inverness and Alness look to have strengthened significantly across their squads. With games usually close, we knew it was going to be a really difficult challenge.
“It was an end-to-end game. Credit to the boys, it’s a bit of a trek in midweek, but we played some fantastic football. In possession we moved the ball really well, created plenty of chances and were unlucky not to extend our lead on a couple of occasions.
“We are a little disappointed with a couple of the goals conceded – but it’s very early on, the squad are still settling, and these things happen.
“Overall I’m really satisfied with the group’s start and once we get all the boys up to full speed it has the makings of a really competitive squad.
“Losing on penalties is never a great way to go out but credit to Inverness, their penalties were absolutely clinical. I don’t think Kieran [Macleod] really had a chance with any.
“We need to dust ourselves down quickly as it’s another sharp turnaround as we travel back down the road on Saturday to play a much-improved Alness side in the Football Times Cup.”
Results – North of Scotland Cup, quarter-finals: Brora Rangers 1, Wick Academy 0; Forres Mechanics 1, Lossiemouth 1 (Lossie won 3-1 on penalties); Inverness Athletic 3, Halkirk United 3 (Inverness Athletic won 5-4 on penalties); Nairn County 2, Clachnacuddin 2 (Clach won 4-3 on penalties).
North Caledonian League: Bonar Bridge 1, Alness United 3; Clachnacuddin “A” 1, Halkirk United 3; Inverness Athletic 6, Bunillidh Thistle 0; St Duthus 1, Orkney 7.
Fixtures for Saturday, September 7 – Football Times Cup, first round: Alness United v Halkirk United; Bonar Bridge v St Duthus; Thurso v Inverness Athletic (all 2pm).
North Caledonian League: Fort William v Invergordon; Golspie Sutherland v Clachnacuddin “A”.