McElroy praises Anglers' commitment ahead of clash with North Caledonian League leaders
Halkirk United manager Ewan McElroy admits games don’t come much tougher than an away trip to face the league leaders – but he says the players are eager to test themselves against table-topping Loch Ness on Saturday.
The Anglers are ninth in the North Caledonian League after last weekend's 2-1 defeat to champions Invergordon at Morrison Park. All the goals came in the first half, with Jordan Knight and Ben Kelly on target for Invergordon before Kuba Koziol replied for the home side.
McElroy praised his team's positive attitude and felt they were unlucky not to take something from the match.
"I have absolutely no complaints about the effort and commitment from the boys against Invergordon," the manager said.
"Obviously the result is disappointing and it probably sums up our season so far. We have not had the same back four all season and Saturday was no different.
"Credit to the boys that have come in, though – I can’t fault their commitment or effort.
"We conceded two early goals but fought back really well, piled on the pressure and were hugely unlucky not to come away with something. Kuba Koziol, who has been terrific, took his goal well and was a fraction away from adding a second.
"We had a couple of really good chances in the second half but unfortunately were not able to convert them."
Now the Anglers have a trip to King George V Park in Fortrose to take on Loch Ness.
McElroy said: "We are still around seven to 10 days away from getting a few more boys back off the injury table. We have had a few setbacks but hopefully we can begin to see a few more returning.
"Games don’t get much harder than away to Loch Ness but it’s a test all the boys will be looking forward to, for sure."
St Duthus moved up to second spot in the North Caledonian League after their 3-0 win over Clachnacuddin "A" on Wednesday night.
James Mackay got the opener in the first period at Grant Street Park and Saints wrapped up the points with second-half headers from Ross Tokely and Finn As-Chainey.
A stoppage-time own goal gave league leaders Loch Ness a 4-3 win at Golspie on Saturday.
Allan MacPhee’s early strike for Loch Ness was cancelled out by Golspie’s Billy Cairns. Further goals by MacPhee and Scott Morrison made it 3-1 to the visitors before Cairns scored twice more in the final 10 minutes to level it up – but the Sutherland side were to be denied a share of the points.
Inverness Athletic were 3-1 winners over Bonar Bridge. Dean Allison, Luke Mackay and Ryan MacLeod scored for the Highland capital outfit, with Adam Mackay replying for Bonar.
The league’s top scorers Alness United won 4-0 away to Clachnacuddin "A" with goals from Stuart Michael, Ryan Stewart, Alexander Mackay and Ryan McFee.
Fort William won by the same score at home to Nairn County "A". Martin Munro got a hat-trick, with the other goal coming from Amin Benyoucef.
North Caledonian League results – Saturday: Bonar Bridge 1, Inverness Athletic 3; Clachnacuddin "A" 0, Alness United 4; Fort William 4, Nairn County "A" 0; Golspie Sutherland 3, Loch Ness 4; Halkirk United 1, Invergordon 2; St Duthus 3, Thurso 1. Wednesday: Clachnacuddin "A" 0, St Duthus 3.
Fixtures for Saturday: Alness United v St Duthus; Inverness Athletic v Golspie Sutherland; Invergordon v Clachnacuddin "A"; Bonar Bridge v Nairn County "A"; Loch Ness v Halkirk United; Thurso v Orkney (2.15pm).