Halkirk United up to fourth in North Caledonian League after midweek victory at Alness
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Halkirk United moved up to fourth in the North Caledonian League after an early double by James Mackintosh and a debut goal from Kieran MacGregor helped them to a 3-1 victory at Alness on Wednesday night.
It was only the third league fixture the Anglers have played since the turn of the year and they will be looking to make up more ground on the leading pack when they welcome second-bottom Bonar Bridge to Morrison Park on Saturday.
Mackintosh got the opener from close range with six minutes gone after good work by Stuart Campbell down the left.
Mackintosh struck again three minutes later from another driven cross by Campbell.
Stuart Michael reduced the deficit on 72 minutes and keeper Kieran Macleod then came to the rescue by saving a penalty.
MacGregor, who has joined the Anglers on loan from Ross County, made sure of the points after 85 minutes when he slotted the ball home from close range.
There was an interruption as the match entered injury time when the Dalmore Park floodlights went out.
Halkirk United manager Ewan McElroy said: "I thought we started really well. There was a good intensity and purpose in the opening stages.
"Early goals are always a bonus. Stuart Campbell and James Mackintosh linked up well on both occasions and we were looking comfortable.
"Mark Munro took a bit of a nasty one in a tackle and had to come off. That disrupted things a little but we were still keeping the ball well and the back four looked comfortable.
"Alness came back into the game in the second half and got a goal. The penalty we conceded was avoidable, but thankfully Kieran Macleod got down well to keep us in front.
"I'm delighted for Kieran MacGregor. He's an intelligent footballer despite his young age, technically very good, and he has a competitive bite that is vital at this level.
"He knows it's a difficult squad to get into, but getting a goal on his debut will do him the world of good."
North Caledonian League results – Saturday: Golspie Sutherland 1, Fort William 1; Loch Ness 0, Invergordon 3; St Duthus 2, Orkney 3; Thurso 1, Inverness Athletic 0. Wednesday – Alness United 1, Halkirk United 3.
North Caledonian League fixtures for Saturday, February 24: Fort William v Inverness Athletic; Golspie Sutherland v Clachnacuddin "A"; Halkirk United v Bonar Bridge (1pm); Invergordon v Thurso (1pm); Loch Ness v Orkney.
