McElroy says his team had a point to prove after derby win lifts Anglers to fourth in North Caledonian League
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Halkirk United manager Ewan McElroy praised his players for their "determined and combative" display in the midweek derby triumph against Thurso.
The Anglers ran out 4-1 winners at Morrison Park, with most of the damage being done in the first half. The result lifted Halkirk to fourth in the North Caledonian League, level on points with third-placed Golspie with a game in hand.
McElroy felt that his team had "a point to prove" after losing 4-1 in Orkney in their last outing on January 15.
It didn't take Halkirk long to make the breakthrough on Tuesday night as Andy Mackay slammed home the opener within three minutes. Jonah Martens doubled their advantage midway through the half when he turned and dispatched a clinical finish after taking a pass from Graham MacNab.
The third came six minutes from half-time when James Mackintosh unleashed a curling strike that flew over Thurso keeper Asa Sinclair and dipped into the net.
The Vikings were much improved after the break and they had opportunities to score before and after substitute Connor MacIntosh pulled one back with a low drive on 65 minutes. Innes Mackintosh came close with a couple of free kicks and there were shouts for a penalty when the ball appeared to strike a Halkirk arm in the box.
A spot-kick was awarded at the other end with a couple of minutes to go after a foul on Graham MacNab. He picked himself up and fired the ball beyond Sinclair's reach to complete the scoring.
McElroy said: "It was a really determined and combative performance from the boys and we managed to play some decent football along the way.
"We always knew it was going to be a difficult game, being a derby, and also there was going to be an element of rustiness as we had not played in over three weeks.
"The boys had a bit of a point to prove as in our last game we never really got going and were nowhere near our best.
"However, that’s football – you don’t become a terrible team after a loss, nor do you become a fantastic one after winning one game. Consistency is key and that is what we are trying to build upon across all areas, and there will be plenty of ups and downs along the way."
McElroy was not surprised to see the Vikings stepping up their efforts after the break,
"Thurso started the second half strongly and we knew they would have a spell in the game where they were on top," he said. "They have a strong squad, some excellent individuals, and they are always going to cause you problems.
"Our keeper Kieron Macleod pulled off a couple of really good saves to keep it 3-0. Our back four were excellent, both full-backs getting forward at every opportunity, and Ryan Sutherland and Aidan Reid marshalled the defence convincingly for the duration.
"It was Graham MacNab's first game back in a while and I thought he was brilliant with his performance and attitude."
Halkirk United and Invergordon will make a third attempt to play their North Caledonian Cup first-round match at Morrison Park on Saturday. The tie has twice fallen victim to the weather.
"Invergordon are a top team and obviously the current holders," McElroy said. "You need to be at your very best to get anything against them and I expect nothing less than a really tough game."
Fixtures for Saturday – North Caledonian Cup, first round: Halkirk United v Invergordon (1pm).
North Caledonian Cup, quarter-finals: Golspie Sutherland v Loch Ness; St Duthus v Orkney; Thurso v Nairn County "A" (12.30pm).
North Caledonian League: Bonar Bridge v Inverness Athletic.
