Double cup exit was turning point for us, says Halkirk United captain
Captain James Mackintosh reckons the disappointment of being eliminated from two cup competitions in the space of a few days proved to be a turning point for Halkirk United this season.
The Anglers were knocked out of the North of Scotland Cup on penalties by Inverness Athletic on the first Wednesday of September, and on the Saturday immediately after that they were beaten by Alness United in the first round of the Football Times Cup.
Since then Halkirk United have won seven out of eight games in the North Caledonian League and last weekend’s 6-2 victory at Bonar Bridge allowed them to open up a nine-point lead at the top of the table.
“We had a disappointing start to the season, getting knocked out of two cups, and that was a real turning point for us,” Mackintosh said. “Since then, we’ve worked hard to raise our game.
“Our consistency comes from everyone’s dedication in training – and, with competition for every position on the pitch, each player needs to bring their A-game to solidify their spot.”
Mackintosh is known as an attacking midfielder but has played at centre-back in four of the last six games. And the 25-year-old has been relishing the added responsibility that comes with wearing the skipper’s armband.
“It has been a responsibility I’ve genuinely enjoyed,” he said. “It’s a privilege to lead the team and support everyone on and off the pitch.
“We’ve been playing with each other for so long now that everyone naturally steps up, and that makes my job as captain a lot easier.”
The Anglers had gone more than 460 minutes without conceding when Bruce Urquhart put Bonar ahead with a penalty after 11 minutes at Migdale Park on Saturday.
United were awarded a spot-kick of their own eight minutes later and Jonah Martens duly equalised. Cameron Montgomery put the league leaders ahead on 33 minutes and Aaron Wilson added their third a couple of minutes before half-time.
A header by James Mackintosh made 4-1 on the hour mark. Connor Ross pulled one back for Bonar on 80 minutes but Mark Munro instantly added a fifth for United and Innes Mackintosh rounded off the scoring with six minutes remaining.
It was the Anglers’ sixth win in a row and they will be looking to consolidate their position when they welcome fourth-placed Golspie Sutherland to Morrison Park this Saturday.
Mackintosh said: “Of course it was disappointing to concede, but the three points are the most important thing. Another clean sheet would have been nice as well, but it just shows how high we’ve set our standards this year.
“The first half-hour was a bit ropey but once we found our rhythm I was fully confident we would secure the win.”
Although they have a commanding lead at the moment, United players and management are keenly aware that all the chasing pack have games in hand.
“Golspie is always a hard game, especially with the level of talent they have,” Mackintosh said. “Over the years we’ve had some pretty close games.
“We know it’ll be a tough test, but we always welcome these kinds of challenges and hope to rise to the occasion once again.”
Results – North Caledonian League: Bonar Bridge 2, Halkirk United 6; Clachnacuddin “A” 4, Orkney 5; Fort William 2, Alness United 1; St Duthus 3, Bunillidh Thistle 0; Thurso 1, Golspie 2.
Football Times Cup, semi-final: Inverness Athletic 4, Invergordon 1 (after extra time).
North Caledonian League fixtures for Saturday, November 2: Bunillidh Thistle v Thurso (1pm); Clachnacuddin “A” v Inverness Athletic; Halkirk United v Golspie Sutherland (1pm); Invergordon v Alness United; Orkney v Bonar Bridge; Fort William v St Duthus.
