Cup fever hits Halkirk as team prepares to face Inverness Caley
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HALKIRK United manager Jock Mackay said his team is in dreamland as it prepares to face Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Harmsworth Park on Monday night.
The North Caledonian League champions have defied all expectations after beating Highland League opponents Wick Academy and Clachnacuddin on route to the semi-finals of the North of Scotland Cup.
Their reward for the impressive performances is a test against ICT’s youngsters who beat Brora Rangers 5-3 at Dudgeon Park in the quarter-final.
Mr Mackay said after what his team has already achieved, it has no reason to fear its SPL opponents.
"The game against Clach was one of the best night’s in the club’s history," he said.
"The boys put in a phenomenal defensive performance. When we headed back to Halkirk we celebrated the result until the early hours of the morning.
"We had every reason to as this is a big deal for us. We are under no illusion of the task that is facing us. Inverness Caledonian Thistle have a good setup and will bring a very strong side up north.
"But it’s a one-off knockout tie. We’ve come this far and there is no reason we can’t have a cup final to look forward too. But we’re taking it one game at a time."
Striker Paul Mackay is the only United player who will definitely miss Monday night’s encounter in Wick.
Grant MacNab is also a concern after suffering an ankle injury against Wick Academy but should at least make the bench.
Mackay said it wasn’t ideal the game has been switched from Wednesday to Monday as he would have preferred to have had more time for his players to regain fitness.
But he said the players are up for the challenge and are looking forward to the biggest game of their lives.
"There was a plan to hold a training session on Saturday morning. But when the game was changed to Monday night I decided to cancel it.
"I have told the lads to take it easy for the weekend as I want a strong a side as possible to be put on the field."
The excitement of the game has reached fever pitch in the village as a bumper crowd is expected to make its way from the west of Caithness.
Mackay was appreciative people from Wick attended Halkirk’s game against Clach on Wednesday night and invited them back to make it an occasion never to forget.
"There were a lot of faces at Harmsworth Park I’ve never seen before. It was great to see so many people give us their support.
"There is a such a buzz around Halkirk leading up to the game. Everyone that I have spoken to seems to be going to Wick on Monday night. Hopefully we’ll have fans from across the county who will come and support us."
The game kicks off at 7.30pm.
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