McElroy praises 'incredible' work behind the scenes at Halkirk United
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Manager Ewan McElroy has paid tribute to everyone behind the scenes at Halkirk United for their "incredible" efforts over the course of the 2022/23 North Caledonian League campaign.
He said there are plans to improve all aspects of the club and predicted a bright future on the park given the number of youngsters making the step up.
McElroy was speaking after Halkirk's last game of the season when they were left empty-handed after a crazy final few moments against St Duthus at Morrison Park. The Anglers got themselves 2-1 ahead with four minutes of the 90 remaining, yet ended up losing 3-2.
"Saturday's match was a frustrating one and I guess that has been a familiar story this season," McElroy said. "We played some really good football in patches but unfortunately at this level we made too many errors and cost us the game late on.
"Obviously when you are sitting 2-1 up and approaching injury time you would want to hold on to the lead but it wasn’t to be.
"You need a bit of luck in football and we have been really unfortunate this year on the injury front, particularly at the start of the season, and I don’t think we ever fully recovered. We went from having four or five fit centre-backs to playing just under half of the season with only one.
"Similarly we lost half a dozen plus boys during pre-season or within the first couple of weeks through injury or unavailability.
"It is hugely difficult to recover from that or legislate for it in a short period of time. What you can do is learn from it, move on and best prepare yourself for the future.
"That said, we have a number of positives to be thankful for as well. The new signings acquitted themselves well and settled in really quickly this year. In addition we have a group of youngsters that have made the step up and are all looking promising for the future."
McElroy added: "The club itself went through a huge transition and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone behind the scenes for all the incredible work they put in. We have a team of individuals working away in the background and I know they are already making plans and looking to improve upon things moving forward.
"I would like to thank the supporters, volunteers and particularly the players for all their efforts over a challenging season. I think you find out more about individuals when things are difficult and we have certainly faced a number of challenges throughout the season.
"Everyone connected to the club will enjoy a period of rest while already looking to improve upon things in every aspect moving forward."
Alan Mathieson put the Anglers ahead midway through the first half on Saturday and it stayed that way until Will Ross's 80th-minute equaliser for St Duthus. Colin Henstridge restored Halkirk's lead on 86 minutes, but the Tain outfit struck twice in stoppage time through Adrian Voigt and James Mackay to snatch all three points.
Alness United's defeat to new champions Loch Ness meant the Anglers held on to eighth place in the final North Caley table. McElroy's side won 10, drew two and lost 12 of their 24 fixtures.
A disappointing campaign for Thurso was capped off by a 2-1 defeat to Nairn County "A" at the Dammies – a result that caused the Vikings to drop to second-bottom place.
Nairn struck twice in the closing five minutes of the first half, through Nathan Grant and Kieran Duffty. James Murray reduced the deficit from the penalty spot five minutes after the break but there was no further scoring.
The Vikings won just four of their 24 league fixtures, drawing three and losing the other 17.
Loch Ness rounded off their North Caledonian League campaign in style as they lifted the title for the first time after thrashing Alness United 8-0.
The Fortrose-based club only entered the North Caley set-up in 2020 after playing in the Inverness and district amateur league for 20 years.
Loch Ness won 20 of their 24 matches on their way to becoming champions and were presented with the trophy after Saturday's one-sided encounter at King George V Park.
Captain Conor Macphee declared that securing the title was a proud moment for everyone at the club and a reward for their hard work and dedication.
"It has been tremendous," he said. "Early doors we set the pace that we were the team to beat.
"We have been relentless in the last couple of weeks to get ourselves over the line."
As North Caledonian League champions, Loch Ness also qualify for the Scottish Cup next season.
"To play down south or to get a good home fixture would be brilliant and we want to see what we can do," Macphee said.
Goals by Conor Macphee, Shane Harkness and Allan MacPhee had Loch Ness three up by half-time. There were further strikes from Calum Neil, Phil MacDonald and Liam Taylor along with two more from Allan Macphee to complete his treble.
Ben Kelly hit a hat-trick as runners-up Invergordon thumped Fort William 6-1 in Easter Ross.
Liam Delday, Aiden Drever, Owen Rendall and Chris Simpson were on target as Orkney beat bottom club Bonar Bridge 4-0.
North Caledonian League results: Bonar Bridge 0, Orkney 4; Clachnacuddin "A" 2, Golspie 0; Halkirk United 2, St Duthus 3; Invergordon 6, Fort William 1; Loch Ness 8, Alness United 0; Thurso 1, Nairn County 2.
North Caledonian League fixtures for Saturday, April 22: Fort William v St Duthus; Orkney v Invergordon.
