McElroy wants a reaction after Halkirk United winning run comes to an end
Halkirk United will be looking to get their North Caledonian League title bid back on track when they visit Bunillidh Thistle on Saturday, having had their six-game winning run brought to a halt by Golspie last weekend.
Manager Ewan McElroy admitted the Anglers had served up an “uncharacteristic performance” in losing 2-1 at Morrison Park. It was their first defeat since being beaten 4-3 at home by Inverness Athletic in mid-September.
Steven Sutherland put Golspie in front after 20 minutes with a long-range effort. Mark Munro slotted home an equaliser 10 minutes into the second half, but the Anglers rarely threatened thereafter as their hopes of a seventh win in a row came to nothing.
Golspie grabbed the winner on 68 minutes, a matter of seconds after having a goal disallowed for offside. A great strike by Ben Sinclair clattered down off the bar and crossed the line, with James Murray making sure by heading the ball into the net.
Speaking after the final whistle, McElroy said: “I’m disappointed with the result but I have to be honest, I’m disappointed with the performance more than anything.
“It was an uncharacteristic performance from us. I don’t think we retained possession well, and off the ball I just don’t think we did enough compared with how we have done over the last few weeks.
“Credit to Golspie, I thought they hassled and harried and they made it difficult for our boys to get the ball down and play.
“We know that the league itself is hugely competitive this year and if you’re not at the races in any game you’re going to struggle. I think that was the case in point today.”
Halkirk United take on Bunillidh Thistle in Helmsdale on Saturday before a trip to Fort William the following week. Bunillidh are bottom of the table but will be buoyed by their first win of the season – a 2-0 home victory over Thurso.
“We need to dust ourselves down and go again,” McElroy said. “You always want a response when you’ve lost a game.
“It was an unfortunate day at the office. It was a shame that there was a decent crowd here and we just never got going.”
Victories for Invergordon and Inverness Athletic on Saturday mean Halkirk United’s lead has been cut to six points. McElroy’s men have 27 points from 11 fixtures.
Invergordon and Inverness Athletic, both on 21 points, have three games in hand on the Anglers. Fourth-placed Golspie are also on the 21-point mark, with two games in hand on United.
Inverness Athletic and Invergordon meet this weekend at North Kessock, while Golspie are at home to Orkney.
Thurso remain third from bottom of the 12-team league on six points from 10 games. The two teams below them are Clachnacuddin “A” with four points and Bunillidh Thistle on three points from the same number of matches.
North Caledonian League results: Bunillidh Thistle 2, Thurso 0; Clachnacuddin “A” 0, Inverness Athletic 2; Halkirk United 1, Golspie Sutherland 2; Invergordon 3, Alness United 1; Orkney 6, Bonar Bridge 0; Fort William 1, St Duthus 2.
North Caledonian League fixtures for Saturday, November 9: Bonar Bridge v Clachnacuddin “A”; Bunillidh Thistle v Halkirk United (1pm); Golspie Sutherland v Orkney; Inverness Athletic v Invergordon; St Duthus v Alness United; Thurso v Fort William (1pm).
