Halkirk United start chase to regain top spot from Loch Ness in North Caledonian League as they face Bonar Bridge at Morrison Park
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Halkirk United will look to keep up the chase on league leaders Loch Ness when they take on Bonar Bridge in the North Caledonian League on Saturday.
The Anglers who defeated St Duthus 4–0 in the Football Times Cup first round last week, dropped to second in the table due to Loch Ness beating Orkney 2–0 in the league last week.
Halkirk are now two points behind Loch Ness who head to Invergordon on Saturday.
Manager Ewan McElroy says they are not concerned about pouncing on any mistake Loch Ness make, stating picking up three points is the first priority.
"In this league there is no point trying to second guess what other teams are going to do.
"It’s a really competitive league and I think the most important thing for us is to just concentrate on ourselves.
"It’s vital that we do well in our home games and so far that has been the case."
McElroy was pleased with the performance of his players in the 4–0 victory over St Duthus in the Football Times Cup first round in Tain last week.
His team were in ruthless form scoring all four goals in the first half.
"The boys were outstanding in the first half," said McElroy.
"We had talked about it before the game as the last time we came down to Tain we were caught napping for the first 25 minutes and found ourselves 2-0 down.
"I thought we started superbly, and put St Duthus under a huge amount of pressure from the off.
"Our middle three of James Mackintosh, Grant MacNab and Andrew Mackay completely controlled the speed of the game and were able to keep a high tempo for the duration of the first half."
Bonar Bridge are undefeated in the league this season but did lose 4–1 at Thurso in the Football Times Cup first round last week.
McElroy says their start in the league, which included beating St Duthus and drawing at Alness United demands full respect.
"Bonar have obviously got off to an excellent start themselves and currently sitting undefeated in the league.
"Having spoken with a few of the Thurso boys they said it was a really tough game at the weekend and we fully expect the same.
"We always look a threat going forward at the minute, there is real intent going forward and our movement off the ball while in possession was excellent at the weekend.
"Importantly the boys are defending from the front and with the energy and work rate on show I think we have the ability to cause the majority of teams problems this season."
