McElroy hails 'big, big three points' as Anglers get the better of Golspie
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Halkirk United continued their strong start to the season in the North Caledonian League when they beat Golspie 2-1 on Wednesday night, with manager Ewan McElroy describing it as "a big, big three points" for the Anglers.
After a scoreless first half at Morrison Park, Halkirk took charge with well-taken goals by Jonah Martens and James Mackintosh before Martin Banks reduced the deficit in stoppage time.
Both teams coped admirably with the strong wind blowing across Morrison Park ahead of Storm Babet. McElroy felt the Anglers should have had more to show for the chances they created but he was full of praise for the players' attitude.
"I thought the boys were terrific tonight," he said. "The conditions were a little bit wild at times but we kept to short, sharp passing and over the course of the game I thought we absolutely deserved the three points.
"My only slight criticism, if I was going to have a wee gripe, would be we probably should have been a couple more ahead and slightly more comfortable.
"We've been three weeks without a game through one reason or another, so it's a big, big three points for the squad and they're understandably delighted with it.
"The attitude and the commitment from the whole squad has been brilliant from the off. We have changed things around a little this season – we had to, for sure – and I think the commitment from the boys has been brilliant, not just on match days but in training as well.
"There's a really good positive environment with the group. They're all pushing each other on."
Halkirk made the breakthrough on 51 minutes when Martens took possession, turned, advanced to the edge of the box and drilled the ball low past the diving Leo Shearer.
The Anglers doubled their lead after 66 minutes when Aaron Wilson delivered an inviting cross from the left and James Mackintosh found the net with a flashing header.
They came close to adding a third when a free kick by Innes Mackintosh came crashing off an upright.
Golspie pulled one back deep into stoppage time when Banks tucked the ball in from close range.
The result lifted Halkirk to fourth in the table, within four points of leaders Invergordon having played one game fewer.
Seventh-placed Clachnacuddin "A" are due at Morrison Park on Saturday.
McElroy said: "All games at home you're really looking to take something. It's only Loch Ness, the reigning champions, that have come here and taken three points.
"It's going to be a tough game. Clach came here last year and rolled us over [5-2] so having played tonight the boys are going to need to rest up and then hopefully we'll make sure that they're good to go come Saturday again."
Thurso's long wait for a North Caledonian League game now stretches back almost a month following a series of postponements.
The Vikings last saw competitive action on September 23 when they were beaten 5-1 at home by Fort William.
That was Scott Davidson's first game in charge after taking over from previous manager Michael Bremner.
Davidson has spoken of his determination to turn things around and get the Vikings moving up the table, but his plans have been thwarted so far by the succession of cancellations.
The Vikings will play the league champions, Loch Ness, at home on Saturday – weather permitting.
Thurso are second bottom of the 12-team division with one win and four defeats from their opening five fixtures.
Loch Ness are second, three points behind Invergordon, with five wins and a draw from six matches.
Shane Carling's side had three points deducted for fielding an ineligible player.
North Caledonian League fixtures for Saturday, October 21: Alness United v St Duthus; Bonar Bridge v Invergordon; Fort William v Inverness Athletic; Golspie Sutherland v Orkney (12.30pm); Halkirk United v Clachnacuddin "A" (2pm); Thurso v Loch Ness (2pm).
