McElroy delighted as Anglers reel in a point
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Halkirk boss Ewan McElroy praised his team's mettle as they battled back to snatch a point from reigning champions Golspie Sutherland.
It looked as if the new manager's honeymoon bubble was about to burst when the North Caledonian title holders went in at half-time 2-0 up thanks to goals from Grant MacNab and Craig Ross.
However, Halkirk roared back with Chris Green and Aidan Reid hitting the net to ensure the Anglers headed back up the A9 with a deserved 2-2 draw.
They've now gone three games unbeaten since McElroy took over as manager and sit fourth in the table, five points behind leaders Thurso.
McElroy said: "We were going into this one as the underdog but there had been a buzz around training all week.
"You could tell that the boys were up for this one as their work ethic in training has been the best it has been since I took charge. I was massively impressed with their commitment.
"And so it proved come the day of the trip to Golspie. Truth be told, we were unlucky to find ourselves 2-0 down at half-time.
"But to come back in the manner we did was superb. We dominated the second half and with the sheer amount of chances we created, the boys were probably a little bit gutted not to have got a third goal to win it.
"However, we would have taken a draw beforehand had it been offered to us because Golspie are a very good side – a lot of teams will struggle to get points from them at their place this season.
"I have to mention the outstanding performances from our central midfielders, James Mackintosh and Mark Webster as well as Korbyn Cameron and Ben Gordon on the flanks.
"It's a pity we don't have a game this weekend as we've generated a fair bit of momentum with the unbeaten run we're on."
Elsewhere in the North Caledonian League, Invergordon were knocked off the top as they crashed to a 4-1 defeat at third-placed St Duthus.
The Tain side struck via Stefan McRitchie, Mikey Rae, Ben Bruce and Scott Miller, with Ian Penwright grabbing a consolation for Invergordon who are now second thanks to Thurso's win against Bunillidh.
Orkney made it two wins out of two for the league campaign as goals from Chris Simpson, Aiden Drever and Zak Singh sealed a 3-0 win against Inverness Athletic.
North Caledonian League fixtures
Saturday, October 19
(All kick-offs 2pm unless stated otherwise)
Bonar Bridge v St Duthus
Bunillidh Thistle v Golspie Sutherland
Invergordon v Inverness Athletic
Thurso v Orkney (2.15pm)
