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Derby duck is a mystery to Vikings boss


By Matt Leslie

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Thurso's Asa Sinclair punches clear from Halkirk United's James Mackintosh during the 1-1 draw in January. Picture: James Gunn
Thurso's Asa Sinclair punches clear from Halkirk United's James Mackintosh during the 1-1 draw in January. Picture: James Gunn

Thurso boss Stevie Reid admits he can't put his finger on why the Vikings have not reaped any derby rewards this season.

The Vikings are gearing up for their third local encounter of the campaign when they take on Halkirk United at Morrison Park, with Reid hoping his men can break their derby duck. The game has been moved from the original venue of Naver.

The previous two meetings – in the Football Times Cup and the North Caledonian League – have yielded a 2-1 defeat and a 1-1 draw respectively.

Although Halkirk have made a dramatic improvement since Ewan McElroy took charge, Thurso are well above them in the league and on paper would be favourites for Saturday's league tussle.

But any gap in terms of league position means nothing when the Vikings face the Anglers.

Reid said: "I can't put my finger on why we've not done well in the derbies this season.

"For some reason, Halkirk seem to up the ante when they play us and I've no complaints about that.

"That is how it should be, and it is also what makes derbies all over the world entertaining. If Halkirk play well against us, we've got to respond to that challenge.

"These are the games you look forward to anyway as a derby always brings some extra spice to the occasion."

Fixtures for Saturday, February 22

North Caledonian League

Bunillidh Thistle v St Duthus (1.30pm)

Golspie Sutherland v Orkney (12.30pm)

Inverness Athletic v Invergordon (1pm)

Thurso v Halkirk United (1.30pm)


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