Halkirk United manager expects 'twists and turns' in North Caley title race
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Halkirk United manager Ewan McElroy is adamant there will be "a few twists and turns" in the remaining months of the North Caledonian League title race as the Anglers try to keep pace with the top two.
McElroy's side got back to winning ways on Saturday when Andy Mackay's double gave them a 2-0 victory over Inverness Athletic at Morrison Park. They remain third in the table behind new leaders Invergordon and second-placed Loch Ness, both of whom have been in relentless form.
The manager was pleased with the reaction after a depleted Halkirk side lost 3-0 to Loch Ness in their first outing after New Year.
"That was the real frustration last week – that we weren't able to give as good an account of ourselves as we know we can," McElroy said.
"When numbers are as low as they were last week, you know you're going to be up against it. But I think there will still be a few twists and turns yet in the league, so the challenge for the squad is just to try and keep picking up three points and keep ourselves as close to the front two as possible."
The Anglers were forced into an early change when defender Aaron McNicol went off injured.
Their pressure was rewarded when Mackay opened the scoring two minutes before half-time, following up with a calm finish after a shot from Jonah Martens had been blocked.
Ten minutes into the second half, Mackay latched onto a loose ball and drove in his second goal of the afternoon.
McElroy said afterwards: "Compared to the week before, when we were really struggling, we had much more competitive numbers today and I think that made a real difference.
"You see the boys on the bench – if any one of them comes on, it doesn't weaken the side in any shape or form.
"Inverness are a good, good team and we had to approach that game as we would with any.
"We had a chat with the boys and we wanted a reaction from the week before. We know we didn't play at our best, despite the difficult conditions, and I think we got that reaction.
"If I'm going to be hyper-critical then we probably should have been coming in at half-time maybe another couple of goals to the good – certainly in the second half as well. I thought their keeper was outstanding and pulled off two fantastic saves in particular.
"But the boys continued to battle. I thought we moved the ball well for large spells. We kept a high tempo, and we always play better when we do that.
"I thought defensively we looked pretty solid. It was quite a mature performance from the back four.
"It was not an ideal start, losing Aaron McNicol – he has been outstanding for us all season. But with much healthier numbers we were able to shuffle the pack and the boys that came on equally did an excellent job."
Halkirk will be away to Alness United this Saturday, weather permitting.
McElroy warned: "Just about every team in the league, especially on their own patch, can take points against anyone. That's what makes it such a competitive league.
"We'll certainly be under no illusions because in the second game of the season we lost 2-1 to Alness [in a Football Times Cup first-round tie].
"We'll be approaching that game exactly the same and hopefully looking to push on."
Two-goal Andy Mackay said: "Inverness Athletic are a tough team to play against and hard to break down. But we got a couple of goals and that's what we're after.
"We're picking up points but we need to keep going. We want to be right up at the top rather than second or third. There's a long way to go yet."
There was disappointment for Thurso as they suffered a narrow defeat to Clachnacuddin "A" at Inverness Royal Academy.
Clach's Scott MacIver got the only goal of the game after 19 minutes.
The Vikings, who remain at the bottom of the North Caley table, are due to face Loch Ness at home on Saturday.
The reigning champions were left idle last weekend after their match against Orkney was postponed.
Invergordon took advantage, moving to the top of the table with a 3-1 victory over St Duthus.
First-half goals by Blair Morrison and Ryan McFee put Invergordon in charge and Ken Morrison extended their lead late on. Billy Cairns pulled one back in stoppage time.
Golspie Sutherland came from behind to beat Bonar Bridge 3-1 at Migdale.
Connel Gresham put Bonar ahead but Golspie hit back with a double from Graham MacNab either side of a goal by Cameron Sutherland.
Fort William thumped Alness United 8-3 after a late flurry of goals at Claggan Park. Connor McLeod got a hat-trick for the Lochaber club and there was a double for Andrew Sneddon.
North Caledonian League results: Bonar Bridge 1, Golspie Sutherland 3; Clachnacuddin "A" 1, Thurso 0; Fort William 8, Alness United 3; Halkirk United 2, Inverness Athletic 0; St Duthus 1, Invergordon 3.
North Caledonian League fixtures for Saturday, January 20: Alness United v Halkirk United (1pm); Clachnacuddin "A" v Bonar Bridge; Fort William v St Duthus; Golspie Sutherland v Orkney; Inverness Athletic v Invergordon; Thurso v Loch Ness (1pm).
Sandy Stephen is set to step down as secretary of the North Caledonian Football Association at the end of the season.
Stephen will have been in the role for six years, having been appointed in 2018.
The announcement was made following an emergency general meeting of the North Caledonian FA.
The association paid tribute to Stephen for his "pivotal role". In a statement, the association pointed out that achievements during his time as secretary have included:
- Facilitating an increase in membership of the association from nine to 12 teams between 2018 and 2024.
- Participating in the formation and development of the north of Scotland football pyramid, including implementation of a promotion play-off for tier six teams.
- Providing support and guidance for member clubs and the association, particularly during the Covid pandemic.
- Working to secure a place in the qualifying stages of the Scottish Cup for winners of the North Caledonian League.
The statement added: "The office-bearers wish to extend their thanks to Sandy for the work he has done for the league and wish him all the best in his next steps.
"The North Caledonian FA management committee will provide further information on the vacancy this creates in due course."
