Halkirk United on cloud nine after dominant derby day against Thurso in North Caledonian League
Halkirk United eased to a 9-1 win in the Caithness derby as part of Wednesday night’s North Caledonian League action.
To say that the Anglers got off to a flying start would be an understatement, as they scored four goals in the opening 10 minutes.
Jonah Martens had broken the deadlock inside 60 seconds, with James Mackintosh quickly following it up to make it 2-0.
Aaron Wilson then scored Halkirk’s third before Martens claimed his second of the evening to put United 4-0 up.
Martens then completed his hat-trick, meaning that while Adam Gunn pulled one back for Thurso before half time the points were only ever heading in one direction.
Two more pairs of goals in the second half – first from Wilson and Kuba Kuziol, and then from Mark Munro and William Cannop – brought the scoreline to 9-1 by full time, making it a dominant result for Halkirk.
Manager Ewan McElroy was naturally delighted with the outcome, saying: “It was obviously an emphatic win but I thought the performance just about matched the scoreline.
“We were disappointed with last week’s result, we know as a group we can do a lot better, so we wanted a response and I thought the squad showed that collectively.
“The conditions were difficult for both teams but we were still able to use the ball well. We controlled the game from the off and some of the build up play and goals were terrific.
“Kuba led the line really well, and the link up play with our midfield trio of Aaron Wilson, Grant Aitkenhead and James Mackintosh was really impressive. Just about everything clicked for them and I thought the boys that came on in the second half were equally determined.
“I’m delighted for Jonah getting his hat-trick, and Mark Munro. Both have been a little unlucky in previous games but their hard work payed off tonight and they took their goals really well.”
On this weekend’s league match against early-season pace-setters Inverness Athletic, McElroy added: “It’s another real quick turnaround as we play top of the league Inverness on Saturday.
“Having already been put out of the North of Scotland Cup by them we know the challenge ahead, but it’s one we will all be looking forward to for sure.”
