McElroy praises his players as Bunillidh are hit for six
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Halkirk United boss Ewan McElroy praised the professional way his men set about dismantling Bunillidh Thistle on Saturday.
A superb opening half-hour saw the Anglers race into a four-goal lead and they proceeded to add two more in the second period to wrap up a thumping 6-0 home victory.
Kyle Henderson led the way with a hat-trick, with Bobby Gunn bagging a double. United's other strike came via Alan Davis.
The Anglers now lie fourth in the North Caledonian League – two points behind Invergordon, St Duthus and Thurso, who themselves are separated only by goal difference.
McElroy said: "We are realistic and know there are only a couple teams competing for the title this year and we are not one of them.
"Our primary focus is building a competitive squad this year and aiming to win as many points as possible to try and beat last year's tally.
"There have been significant changes to Halkirk’s squad over the last few years and we are aiming to lay the foundations for years to come.
"With regard to last week's win, it’s always difficult to prepare for these types of games as you are never entirely sure what type of team the opposition will put out.
"We knew early on that they were going to sit with the majority of the team behind the ball and try to frustrate, and the boys were quickly able to adapt to that.
"It's obviously a real advantage to start well in these types of games. We knew if we could score first it would be extremely difficult for Bunillidh.
"I thought their keeper had a fantastic game and if it was not for him the game would have been a lot more comfortable.
"As for individual performances, Bobby [Gunn] is a natural goalscorer and has continued his good summer form into winter. Any game he doesn’t manage to score, you can see his disappointment.
"He is exactly the same in training and I have been hugely impressed with the work he puts in. Kyle [Henderson] should be delighted his three goals.
"He is going from strength to strength at the minute and his first goal was sublime, a volley from a difficult angle.
"However, for me the best player on the pitch was Jordan Howden at centre-half and then centre midfield. It was his first full game for us and he never put a foot wrong.
"He reads the game fantastically well and once we get him up to full speed I think he will be a real asset to the team."
Halkirk are in action at Morrison Park again on Saturday, although this time they will face sterner opposition in Orkney who will be coming in on the back of winning the Jock Mackay Cup final last weekend.
McElroy added: "Orkney are many people’s favourites for the title. They are unbeaten in all competitions and have a fantastic squad to choose from.
"You only had to look at their pre-season win against Wick Academy to know that they were geared up for another strong season.
"They obviously won 8-0 when we travelled across the water. Although I was not there myself I have been told by several members of the squad about how difficult the game was and will likely be this time round.
"It’s difficult to pick out any specific players from Orkney to keep an eye on as they have talent littered throughout their squad. James Pickles, who previously played with Brora and Wick, and Liam Delday have been particularly impressive this year.
"Hopefully the weather will be good and we can get a good crowd for this game.
"The Bunillidh match was well attended and bitterly cold, so hopefully they can brave the weather again if it is not the best. It always to have a good home support and it seems to be growing each week, which is great to see."
