Halkirk United manager proud of players’ efforts
Halkirk United manager Ewan McElroy has spoken of his pride in what the players have achieved during the 2024/25 campaign.
And he predicted a bright future for the club in the North Caledonian League with so many members of the squad coming into their prime.
The Anglers topped the table for much of the campaign, only to be overhauled in the closing weeks by Invergordon as the defending champions caught up on their games in hand.
United’s hopes of reaching the North Caledonian Cup final were dashed when they were beaten 3-0 by the Easter Ross side at the Recreation Grounds last weekend.
McElroy’s men will finish as runners-up in the league regardless of the outcome of their last fixture, at home to Orkney on Saturday.
“We are really proud of the squad’s efforts over the season,” McElroy said. “Myself and all the management team have been hugely impressed by the players’ consistent and determined attitude in a really competitive league.
“They continue to progress as a group and you can see that they want to challenge at the very top on a regular basis.
“It’s still a relatively young squad when we look at it collectively. However, we have more of the squad approaching their prime years and it looks really promising for the future.
“It’s important to be pragmatic about things and to acknowledge that we have only been pipped in the final few weeks against a really strong and experienced Invergordon team.
“The league table rarely lies – we will be second regardless of the weekend’s results, and the attitude and togetherness of the squad has been admirable.
“Additionally, we greatly appreciate all the work that has gone on behind the scenes from everyone involved, from the committee to the volunteers. They have all played a part in making it a hugely enjoyable season.”
Invergordon made sure of the championship with a 6-0 victory over Thurso at the Recreation Grounds a fortnight ago. Gary Campbell’s men have now won the title four times in the past nine years.
McElroy said: “Credit to Gary and Invergordon. They are a really well-resourced and experienced team.
“They have only lost five points over the season and both occasions it was ourselves who managed to take points from them.”
Halkirk United won 2-0 when the sides met in Invergordon in September. The return fixture at Morrison Park in February ended in a goalless draw.
“Of course we would have liked to have gone further,” McElroy added. “But the boys will be able to look back over the season and be really proud of their efforts, that’s for sure.
“I think we are all looking forward to a break. The players and management have been brilliant but everyone is in need of a rest from the demands of winter football.
“All the squad will be playing summer football and that’s all about enjoyment and playing with their mates. It gives them all a chance to get a bit of a break and hopefully everyone enjoys it.”
Invergordon’s scorers in the semi-final were Calum Brown, Ken Morrison and Ben Bruce.
Golspie hammered Inverness Athletic 8-0 in the other semi with goals from Lewis Harkness (3), Robbie Murray, Craig Gunn, Graham MacNab and James Murray (2).
Thurso’s scheduled match against Bunillidh Thistle last Saturday was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch at the Dammies. It has been rescheduled for Wednesday night at Morrison Park in Halkirk.
Results – North Caledonian Cup, semi-finals: Golspie Sutherland 8, Inverness Athletic 0; Invergordon 3, Halkirk United 0.
Fixtures – Saturday, April 5 – North Caledonian League: Bunillidh Thistle v Inverness Athletic; Halkirk United v Orkney (2pm); St Duthus v Invergordon.
Wednesday, April 9: Thurso v Bunillidh Thistle (7.30pm, Morrison Park, Halkirk).
Saturday, April 12 – North Caledonian Cup final: Golspie Sutherland v Invergordon (King George V Park, 1pm). North Caledonian League: Orkney v Bunillidh Thistle.