Derby day between Thurso and Halkirk United will be first senior game of football in Caithness in 2021
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THE wait for senior football to return to the far north is over as rivals Thurso and Halkirk United face each other in the North Caledonian League Caithness derby tomorrow.
It is the first game of competitive football played in the county this year, with the last match taking place on December 15 when Wick Academy beat Musselburgh Athletic in the Scottish Cup.
The North Caledonian League returns to action this weekend since the competition was suspended in December due to the rising number of cases of Covid-19.
The league was unable to restart until restrictions were lifted on PCR testing on Monday.
It is aimed to get this season completed by Saturday, June 26.
Thurso can still win the North Caledonian League Division One title if they win their final five matches.
Thurso manager Stevie Reid says that is still a target.
But he is also looking forward to getting his team back out on the pitch and completing the season.
“It still seems surreal that we are playing at this time of year as we should be playing summer football by now,” he said.
“We have been training on Monday and Wednesday to get ready for the game and the Dammies is looking in great condition.
“We have five games left and there is no room for error.
“But the boys are just looking forward to stretching their legs and playing football.”
Thurso have managed to extend the loan deals of Wick Academy players Grant Aitkenhead, Sam Barclay, Scott Macdonald, Marc MacGregor and Ben Sinclair for the remainder of the North Caledonian League campaign.
Nobody from Halkirk United was available for comment at the time of going to press yesterday.
Elsewhere tomorrow, Division One leaders Invergordon will look to increase their lead at the top to four points with victory at Orkney.
Meanwhile in Division Two, north-west Sutherland outfit Scourie will be looking to avoid defeat for the first time ever when they welcome Loch Ness to Achlochan Park.
Kick-off between Thurso and Halkirk United at the Dammies is at 2pm.
