Halkirk United manager Ewan McElroy proud of his players after second cup final disappointment
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Halkirk United manager Ewan McElroy said he was "hugely proud" of his players after they suffered cup final disappointment for the second time this season.
The Anglers were looking to get their hands on the North Caledonian Cup on Saturday after losing on penalties to Thurso in the Football Times Cup final in November – but they were beaten 1-0 by St Duthus.
A goal by Finn As-Chainey early in the second half was enough to secure the silverware for Alan Geegan's side at Dudgeon Park in Brora.
"All our previous meetings against St Duthus have been tight affairs and I don't think this was any different," McElroy said. "Unfortunately, we were on the losing end this time around.
"But congratulations to St Duthus and Alan Geegan as they have had a terrific end to the season.
"We didn't start overly well but in the second half we looked sharper and more direct than we had been in the first half. But in the final third, it didn't quite come off."
As well as reaching two cup finals this season, Halkirk United mounted a strong challenge in the North Caledonian League and were still in title contention until Invergordon clinched it earlier on Saturday.
McElroy hopes this season's setbacks will fuel the motivation to achieve success next term.
"I am disappointed with the result but hugely proud of the boys and I massively appreciate the support from everyone at the club," he said. "We will dust ourselves down and look to improve on things in the future."
The crucial moment came in the 47th minute when As-Chainey netted with a low drive from 12 yards.
It is the third trophy the Tain outfit have won since they rejoined the league in 2016.
Manager Geegan felt that his team deserved to lift the trophy and he praised his players for holding onto their lead.
"I thought we were the better team in the first half, but maybe in the final 10 minutes of the first half we let them back into it," he said.
"In the second half we went forward and got our goal early and then perhaps in the last 10 minutes the nerves kicked in. But we defended well and the boys deserved it."
Geegan took over as St Duthus boss in October after the club had suffered a poor start to the campaign.
He says they have shown during the second half of the campaign that they are one of the top teams in the league and he is expecting a title challenge next season.
"The effort they have put into the second half of the season has earned them this trophy," he said.
"We are more than capable of challenging for the league title next season as long as we get the consistency for the whole of the campaign.
"We maybe need one or two new additions but, on the whole, we have shown that we should be up there with the top teams in the league.
"Winning the cup has given the boys a taste for it and makes them want to fight for more and stay a part of this club."
Invergordon were crowned North Caledonian League champions in their last game of the season as they defeated Orkney 1-0 at Recreation Park.
Jordan Laidlaw's penalty in the 44th minute proved decisive as the Easter Ross team lifted the title for the first time since 2017.
Manager Gary Campbell praised the character of his squad, saying they were deservedly champions.
"It has been a long, hard season and we have finished at the top of the pile," Campbell said.
"That was the aim at the start of the season and we are delighted to finally get across the line and win it.
"I pay credit to the boys who have battled hard all season and got their just rewards in the end."
The result means Invergordon cannot be caught by either second-placed Loch Ness or fourth-placed Halkirk United. Golspie, in third, have completed their fixtures.
"We were disappointed we didn't win the title last week when we lost to Halkirk United," Campbell admitted. "But we managed to get over the line, which was the main thing.
"The boys have been brilliant all season and full credit to them. We are a small club and have a small committee, but everyone works hard here.
"It has been five years since we last won it, so it is good to get it done.
Loch Ness were the frontrunners for much of the season, but Campbell never doubted Invergordon could finish on top.
"The league campaign is a long way to go and thankfully it was our turn to win it," he said. "But credit to all the teams in the league, as this season has been very competitive with no easy matches."
Invergordon were top of the table when the 2019/20 campaign was declared null and void, with no championship trophy awarded.
Thurso are in midweek action as they take on Bonar Bridge in a rearranged North Caledonian League fixture at Golspie's King George V Park on Wednesday night.
The Vikings made it three wins in a row – with three clean sheets for good measure – as they defeated Alness United 2-0 at the Dammies on Saturday to move up to seventh in the 11-team division. Marc Macgregor and James Murray got the goals.
Results: Saturday – North Caledonian League: Invergordon 1, Orkney 0; Thurso 2, Alness United 0. North Caledonian Cup final: St Duthus 1, Halkirk United 0 (at Brora).
Fixtures: Wednesday, April 6 – North Caledonian League: Bonar Bridge v Thurso (8pm, Golspie).
Saturday, April 9 – North Caledonian League: Orkney v St Duthus (12.45pm); Loch Ness v Halkirk United (2pm); Thurso v Inverness Athletic (2pm).
Saturday, April 16 – North Caledonian League: Alness United v Halkirk United (2pm).
