‘Just about everything that could go wrong did’: Cup semi offers a chance to ‘reset’ for Halkirk United
Manager Ewan McElroy accepts that Halkirk United are going through a transitional period but he says this weekend’s Jock Mackay Cup semi-final against Golspie offers a chance for the team to “reset”.
The Anglers are second bottom of the North Caledonian League following last Saturday’s 4-2 defeat away to St Duthus. Most of the damage was done in the early stages at Grant Park as Halkirk United found themselves three goals down inside 10 minutes.
McElroy expects to have several experienced players back for Golspie’s visit to Morrison Park with a place in the first final of the North Caley season at stake.
“We went into Saturday without seven or eight first-team regulars due to holidays and work but we were still quite happy with the travelling squad,” McElroy said.
“What was difficult to legislate for was a really poor 10 to 15-minute spell at the start. Over the course of the 90 minutes we probably had more of the game and the better chances but in the space of around 10 minutes just about everything that could go wrong did.
“Granted we had a makeshift back line, and a number of boys playing out of position, but every goal was a preventable one. We had deflections, missed clearances and an own goal thrown in for good measure.
“Coupled with the really good chances we spurned at the other end, especially to bring it back to 3-2, I think we were all scratching our heads a little at the side.
“There were still positives, despite the result. Kieran Macgregor and Mark Munro took their goals really well and Grant Aitkenhead returning for his first game this season was a real positive as well.
“We know we are going through a bit of a transitional period as a group. We have done the same a number of times already as a squad.
“I was was really pleased with youngsters Shay Coghill and Sam Shearer, who both played a part – they gave really assured performances despite being only 16 and 17 years old. They have been excellent in training, have deserved their chance, and they have a bright future in front of them.
“This weekend we will hopefully see a return of several first-team bodies and the main aim is to put in a more consistent performance over the 90 minutes.
“We know we are now going into games as underdogs but it’s a chance for the boys to reset and both teams will be going all out to reach the first final of the season.”
Neil Moir, Colin Macrae and Arron Christie got the early goals for St Duthus. Macgregor pulled one back after 18 minutes but an own goal by Conor Farquhar left the visitors trailing 4-1 at the break.
Munro slotted in United’s second goal with about 10 minutes left.
Invergordon take on St Duthus at the Recreation Grounds in Saturday’s other semi.
Golspie moved up to sixth in the table after a 1-0 victory over Clachnacuddin “A” at King George V Park on Wednesday night.
North Caledonian League results – Saturday: Invergordon 6, Golspie Sutherland 0; Inverness Athletic 1, Bonar Bridge 1; Inverness Thistle 1, Clachnacuddin “A” 2; Orkney 1, Alness United 2; St Duthus 4, Halkirk United 2; Thurso 4, Fort William 2.
Wednesday: Golspie Sutherland 1, Clachnacuddin “A” 0.
Fixtures: Saturday, October 18 – Jock Mackay Cup, semi-finals: Halkirk United v Golspie Sutherland; Invergordon v St Duthus.
North Caledonian League: Alness United v Thurso; Clachnacuddin “A” v Bonar Bridge; Fort William v Inverness Thistle; Orkney v Inverness Athletic (all 1pm).