Martens praised for work ethic after Halkirk United extend winning run
Striker Jonah Martens earned praise for his work ethic after hitting a first-half hat-trick as Halkirk United extended their lead at the top of the North Caledonian League.
His treble inside the opening 30 minutes paved the way for a 6-0 victory over bottom club Bunillidh Thistle at Morrison Park on Saturday, allowing the Anglers to go six points clear.
It was United’s fifth consecutive victory and clean sheet and they can open up a nine-point gap this weekend if they win at Bonar Bridge while the teams in second and third, Invergordon and Inverness Athletic, are in cup action.
Manager Ewan McElroy said: “It was another three goals for Jonah, but it’s his work rate and application that continue to impress me more than anything. He has previously had a difficult time with injuries but you can see he’s absolutely loving his football at the minute.
“He consistently works hard at training each week and it’s not a fluke he’s on a decent run.
“It’s the same with the rest of the squad. With double sessions each week, the boys are putting in a huge amount of work.
“There is a really good atmosphere and a healthy competitive edge which helps massively.”
Martens’ first two goals were composed finishes after good work down the right by Hasheem Bremner on each occasion. James Mackintosh set up the striker for his third.
Andy Mackay added the fourth just before the break and Mackintosh made it 5-0 with a bullet header from a Conor Farquhar cross early in the second half.
Cameron Montgomery rounded off the scoring with a couple of minutes remaining with a precise finish after good link-up play from Mark Munro.
McElroy said: “I was really satisfied with the squad’s overall performance. We made a number of changes for the game, and naturally that can disrupt things a little, but I thought the squad adapted quickly and controlled the game from the off.
“It was good to get 90 minutes under the belt for the likes of Aidan Reid, Andy Mackay, Kuba Koziol and Ally Mackintosh.
“Conditions have been ideal over the last couple weeks. The pitch – maintained by Billy Dunnett – is in fantastic condition and really helps our style of play.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s trip to Migdale Park, McElroy said: “It will be another real test for the squad. Bonar are much improved and are a well-drilled outfit.
“They are just off a thumping win against Fort William and will no doubt be confident themselves of picking up the points on their home patch.”
In their last five league games Halkirk United have scored 19 goals and let in none, which means they have gone 450-plus minutes without conceding.
They are on 24 points after eight wins from their opening nine fixtures. Invergordon and Inverness Athletic in second and third respectively, both on 18 points and with two games in hand over the Anglers.
Invergordon and Inverness Athletic play their Football Times Cup semi-final this weekend, so a win for Halkirk United would open up a nine-point gap.
Thurso will come up against some familiar faces on Saturday as they play host to Golspie Sutherland with their sizeable Caithness contingent.
The Vikings will be looking to build on their 2-1 away victory over Bonar Bridge a fortnight ago.
Tom McKenna’s side are in 10th place in the 12-team division, while Golspie are fifth.
Thurso were due to play Clachnacuddin “A” at the Dammies last weekend but the game was postponed for what was described as “management unavailability” on the part of the Inverness side.
Bonar Bridge underlined how far they have progressed as they beat Fort William 5-1 at Migdale Park. Shaun Marshall scored twice for the Sutherland side, with their others coming from Ryan Hamilton, Jordan Shaw and Connel Gresham.
Davie Neil replied from the penalty spot for Fort.
Alness United progressed to the Football Times Cup as they beat Golspie 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Results – North Caledonian League: Bonar Bridge 5, Fort William 1; Halkirk United 6, Bunillidh Thistle 0; Orkney 1, St Duthus 2.
Football Times Cup, semi-final: Alness United 1, Golspie Sutherland 1 (Alness won 5-4 on penalties).
Fixtures for Saturday, October 26 – North Caledonian League: Bonar Bridge v Halkirk United (2pm); Clachnacuddin “A” v Orkney; Fort William v Alness United; St Duthus v Bunillidh Thistle; Thurso v Golspie (2pm).
Football Times Cup, semi-final: Inverness Athletic v Invergordon.