Draw with Invergordon was ‘not the end of the world’ for Anglers
A share of the points in their top-of-the-table clash with Invergordon was “not the end of the world” for Halkirk United, according to manager Ewan McElroy.
Saturday’s goalless draw meant that United, the long-time leaders, remain six points clear of the reigning North Caledonian League champions. But the Anglers’ title destiny is no longer in their own hands as Invergordon still have three games to make up.
It was a hard-fought battle at Morrison Park, with chances at both ends, but neither side could find a breakthrough.
“We wanted to win, that’s for sure,” McElroy said. “We set up to go out to win the game.
“A point is not the end of the world. You’re up against a top, top team in Invergordon. They’re experienced, they’re the reigning champions.
“I’m really proud of the performance out there from the boys. Really all you can do is leave it all out on the park and I think they certainly did that.
“On the ratio of chances, we maybe could have nicked it. Overall I’m pretty happy with the performance.
“The frustration is that it’s no longer in our hands. But both teams have got really difficult games ahead of them, so it’s still very much there to play for.”
The Anglers will be looking to keep Invergordon at arm’s length, for now at least, when they take on struggling Thurso in the Caithness derby at the Dammies on Saturday.
Halkirk United cruised to a 9-1 victory when the sides met at Morrison Park in September, firing in four goals in the opening 10 minutes.
The Vikings are third from bottom, having lost their last nine league matches.
McElroy said, however: “Form goes out the window when it’s a derby and I think that goes for just about all the North Caley teams.
“We know that Thurso have got really capable and talented boys in their squad. Granted, they’ve found it difficult this season, but we certainly won't be taking them lightly.
“We know now that we need to win all our remaining games if we’re going to stand a chance of fighting at the top.”
Prior to kick-off on Saturday, Halkirk United handed over a £500 cheque to mental health charity Mikeysline. The money came from the Anglers’ 150 club.
Inverness Athletic moved up to third in the table after a first-half double by Luke Mackay helped them to a 4-0 victory at Golspie. Athletic are nine points behind Halkirk United with three games in hand.
Orkney recovered from being two goals down at Alness to win 3-2.
North Caledonian League top four: 1 Halkirk United (played 19, points 49); 2 Invergordon (16, 43); 3 Inverness Athletic (16, 40); 4 Golspie Sutherland (19, 39).
North Caledonian League results: Alness United 2, Orkney 3; Golspie Sutherland 0, Inverness Athletic 4; Halkirk United 0, Invergordon 0; Thurso 0, St Duthus 1.
Fixtures – Saturday, February 22 – North Caledonian League: Bonar Bridge v Invergordon; Fort William v Bunillidh Thistle; Golspie Sutherland v Alness United; Orkney v Inverness Athletic; St Duthus v Clachnacuddin “A”; Thurso v Halkirk United (1pm).
