Manager hails prolific striker Martens as Anglers keep up title challenge
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Manager Ewan McElroy praised an "outstanding" contribution by Jonah Martens after Halkirk United's latest impressive display in the North Caledonian League.
McElroy reckons the prolific striker is producing some of the best football of his career as the Anglers keep up their push for the title along with leaders Loch Ness and second-placed Invergordon.
Martens scored four first-half goals in last weekend's 7-1 victory over Clachnacuddin "A" at Inverness Royal Academy and United will be targeting three more points when ninth-placed Inverness Athletic visit Morrison Park this Saturday.
"It was a relentless effort from the boys – they put in a power of work," McElroy said.
"The squad trained really well in abysmal conditions on the Thursday, and that in itself helped set the tone for the weekend. Despite the torrential rain and ridiculous gusts, the effort was terrific."
Mark Munro scored twice and Aaron Wilson got the other goal for Halkirk, who were 6-0 up by half-time. Aiden Davidson grabbed a consolation for Clach "A".
McElroy reckoned the sixth-minute opener by Martens was the pick of the goals.
"Some of the build-up play was first class," the manager said. "It was important to get off the mark as early as we did.
"It was a neat finish from Jonah who had to juggle the ball down quickly before lifting it over the keeper."
McElroy admitted: "It’s no secret that on occasion I'd like to throttle Jonah and all of our forwards at some point during most matches – and I say that in the nicest possible way! But his contribution, his effort and his overall performances, along with the rest of the squad, have been outstanding this year.
"It’s the best I’ve seen both Jonah and the bulk of the squad play in terms of consistency – and, importantly, you can see they are loving every minute in the process.
"If anything we could and should have probably scored a few more. Stuart Campbell and James Mackintosh both rattled the woodwork and Luke Manson did the same with a terrific strike in the second half.
"I was impressed with all the boys on Saturday but they know it was just another match in what is a very long and difficult season. There might be a couple of teams slightly better placed in terms of the games already played, but our goal remains the same and the boys are determined to keep the good form going.
"A high level of consistency is what every manager and coach is after. There are a number of factors contributing but I would say it is mostly down to the boys' attitude. They know that we are trying to grow and progress the club in every aspect and everyone knows they have a big part to play."
Looking ahead to Saturday's match, McElroy said: "Inverness Athletic away was as tough a game as we have played this season – it finished 4-3 [in September]. They have had an up-and-down season but I don’t think any team particularly enjoys playing against them.
"Despite their league position the majority of their games have been close and they have a strong group. It’s the last game of the year before the squad get a bit of a break and we will be doing all we can to get a positive result, that’s for sure."
Inverness Athletic were beaten 4-2 at Golspie last weekend.
Loch Ness remain three points clear at the top after defeating Bonar Bridge 4-0 in Alness.
Invergordon beat Orkney 2-1 at the Recreation Grounds, while St Duthus won 2-1 against Alness United 2-1 in Tain.
North Caledonian League fixtures for Saturday, December 16: Alness United v Clachnacuddin "A"; Fort William v Golspie Sutherland; Halkirk United v Inverness Athletic (1pm); Invergordon v Bonar Bridge; Loch Ness v Thurso (1pm); Orkney v St Duthus.
