Halkirk face an uphill task as Acks continue their ‘ideal start’
Halkirk began the county league season with ambitions to be challenging for promotion – but co-manager Michael Bremner admits it will now be “very difficult” to make up ground after a third consecutive defeat.
A great finish by Andrew Hardwick sealed a 3-2 victory for Acks in Tuesday night’s encounter at Recreation Park as the Thurso side kept up their 100 per cent start in Division Two.
“It was disappointing again from us,” Bremner said. “We had a very poor first half and went in 2-0 down. We brought it back to 2-2 and thought we’d go on and win it, but Andrew Hardwick scored a worldie for them.
“Although we were a bit better in the second half, Acks deserved the win.”
Bremner added: “We’ve had a very poor start to the season. We were hoping to be up near the top of the second division but we’re sitting bottom after three games.
“There are only 12 games in the league so it’s going to be very hard to catch Acks, who are nine points ahead of us already. We’ll try our best to go on a run and hope other results go our way, but it will be very difficult.”
Halkirk are at home to Lochbroom on Saturday in round one of the Highland Amateur Cup.
Acks’ first-half scorers on Tuesday were Harvey Labor and John Hooker. Halkirk replied through an own goal and Matthew Mackay.
Acks player/manager Kyle Innes said: “It has been an ideal start to the season for us with three wins from three.
“We knew Halkirk would be tough opponents, with quality and experience throughout their squad, but we came out strong and played some excellent football in the first half, going into the break with a well-deserved 2-0 lead.
“Unfortunately we conceded an own goal five minutes into the second half, which gave Halkirk the momentum to push forward and level it at 2-2. Credit to the lads for not letting their heads drop.
“Andrew Hardwick produced a brilliant finish to put us back in front at 3-2. The final stages were tense, but the team showed great composure to see out the result.
“I don’t normally single out individuals but I feel Harris Shone, Cameron Watt and John Hooker deserve recognition. Their attitude and performances have been outstanding.
“When you consider their age, the level of maturity they’ve shown has been hugely impressive. They are key figures in the squad.
“This win puts us in a strong position as we look ahead to Saturday’s Highland Amateur Cup tie against Lochinver. We know it’ll be another tough test, but the performance against Halkirk has us well prepared for it and I’m confident the team will give it their all.”
Elsewhere in Division Two, goals by Luke Wilson and Mark McCoustra gave Swifts a 2-0 win against Top Joe’s.
In Division One, Staxigoe United continued their good run with a convincing 4-0 victory over Castletown at Back Park.
Cameron Sutherland bundled in the opener from close range and Graham MacNab added a penalty before the break. Sutherland scored again in the second half and Sam Mackay rounded the keeper before slotting in the fourth.
Staxigoe player/manager Martin Banks was red-carded midway through the second period. They are at home to Brora Wanderers in the Highland Amateur Cup this weekend.
Wick Groats came from behind to beat Lybster 2-1 at the Upper Bignold. Lybster’s Steven Anderson opened the scoring against his former club but Groats hit back with goals from Liam Bremner and Alan Mathieson.
Wick Groats now have a Highland Amateur Cup away day to Helmsdale.
Results – Tuesday – Division One: Castletown 0, Staxigoe United 4; Wick Groats 2, Lybster 1. Division Two: Halkirk 2, Acks 3; Swifts 2, Top Joe’s 0.
Fixtures – Wednesday, May 7 – Division One: John O'Groats v High Ormlie Hotspur; Pentland United v Keiss (7pm). Division Two: Thurso Pentland v Wick Thistle (7pm).
Saturday, May 10 – Highland Amateur Cup, north section, first round: Halkirk v Lochbroom; Helmsdale United v Wick Groats; Inver v Dornoch City; John O’Groats v High Ormlie Hotspur; Pentland United v Top Joe’s; Staxigoe United v Brora Wanderers; Thurso Acks v Lochinver; Watten v Thurso Pentland; Wick Thistle v Lybster (3pm).
Tuesday, May 13 – Division One: High Ormlie Hotspur v Pentland United; Keiss v Wick Groats; Lybster v Castletown; Staxigoe United v John O’Groats (7.15pm).
