Cup will go to team that wants it most, says Alan Sinclair as Halkirk United and Thurso meet in final
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Alan Sinclair believes victory in Saturday's Football Times Cup final will go to the team that wants it most.
Sinclair won medals with both Halkirk United and Thurso and is aware of the respective strengths of their current squads.
But he insists that when silverware is at stake the team with the right attitude will have the edge.
Sinclair (40) played for Halkirk United and was both a player and manager at Thurso.
The former Wick Academy defender hung up his boots after captaining Wick Groats to a clean sweep of summer football honours in 2019, including the Highland Amateur Cup and an eighth county league title in a row.
“I've been in both changing rooms over the years obviously and it's the old cliché, form goes out the window when it comes to a derby," Sinclair said. "Thurso/Halkirk games are usually tight and cup finals are always about who wants it most on the day. It will probably come down to that.
“I watched Halkirk v Golspie [last month] when Halkirk beat them 4-1. Halkirk looked very good that day. They had a good young team. Andy Mackay looked really good that day, Jonah Martens was looking sharp and scored two good goals, but he'll be suspended for the final.
“I was really impressed with Halkirk. They work hard and they've got some good players who know what to do with a ball.
It's why we play football – everyone wants to be winning something.
“Chrissy Green was in the middle of the park and he breaks a lot of things up. I had Chrissy at Thurso when I managed and he played there, and I played with him at Staxigoe.
“They are very hard-working and they have a lot of pace.
“I've not seen Thurso this season but looking at some of their players, Ben Sinclair is a very good player while Marc Macgregor has played in the Highland League and everybody knows that when he's on form he is an absolute handful.
"James Murray is another one. When he's on it he can give anyone a hard time, and they've got big James McLean at the back.
“They've probably got more experienced players than Halkirk so it has got all the ingredients to be a good final.
“I wouldn't like to put my money on a winner but I think there will only be a goal in it. Who it will go to, I don't know – and I don't really have a preference.
“I had good times with both clubs. I was lucky to play and win trophies with both.
“It's why we play football – everyone wants to be winning something. Again, it's all down to who wants it most on the day as a collective. The whole team needs to be thinking the same.
“Hopefully it's a good game and they get a decent crowd.”
- The Football Times Cup final kicks off at 2pm on Saturday at Wick's Harmsworth Park. If the match is level at 90 minutes it will go straight to penalties.
