Last time counts for nothing, warns Anglers boss
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Halkirk United manager Ewan McElroy has warned his players not to take anything for granted when they face local rivals Thurso on Saturday in the North Caledonian League.
The most northerly winter league derby in mainland Scotland takes place at United's Morrison Park, with fans of the Anglers keen to see a repeat of last month's victory against the Vikings.
The pair met at the same venue over the festive season in a Football Times Cup tie that saw Halkirk triumph 2-1. Goals from James Mackintosh and Korbyn Cameron gave the home side a comeback win after Thurso had led through Michael Petrie.
However, McElroy does not believe that what happened last time will have any bearing on this weekend's match.
"I don’t think our last win will have much significance on Saturday," he said.
"Thurso will obviously be buoyed by their recent impressive win against Orkney and they will no doubt fancy getting all three points.
"Thurso have a strong team and not many weaknesses, to be honest. I think Aaron Wilson and Andrew Mackay are both really talented footballers and both were excellent when we played them last time.
"Our boys will need to be on the top of their game if we are to get anything from it, but everyone at the club is looking forward to the match.
"As for our own preparations, Jordan Howden picked up a knock last week while both Aiden Reid and Alan Davis are both still doubts.
"We are hopeful of adding another player to the squad in time for Saturday’s match but will need to wait and see."
Halkirk United warmed up for this weekend's derby with a hard-fought 3-2 win against Inverness Athletic at Morrison Park on Saturday.
Mackintosh had given the Anglers the lead before Athletic levelled through Seamus McConaghy.
United went 2-1 up through Kyle Henderson only to be pegged back once again as Craig Munro made it 2-2. Halkirk's winner came with a slice of luck as the unfortunate Ewan Bradley put the ball into his own net.
McElroy said: "It’s always important to get a response after a disappointing defeat [the 2-0 loss at Bunillidh] and the boys did exactly that.
"Inverness were obviously buoyed by their new signings and I thought they were much improved. I thought our boys were excellent. We defended well when we had to, and always looked a threat going forward.
"It was a close game that could have gone either way. I thought we edged the first half in terms of chances and possession.
"We had to defend for spells in the second half and credit to Inverness, I thought they put us under a lot of pressure during the last 15 minutes.
"I was impressed with the work ethic of the squad as a whole. We again had to use all our subs and everyone had to play their part.
"I thought we defended particularly well and Stuart Sinclair and Jordan Howden were resolute at the back.
"Korbyn Cameron led the line well up front for us for the duration of the game and is becoming more confident and aware in that role with every game he plays."
