Ewan McElroy hopes his Halkirk United players can develop a more clinical streak after emerging empty-handed from their North Caledonian League match against St Duthus at the weekend.

"That was without doubt the most frustrating watch as Halkirk manager," McElroy declared after the Anglers failed to take any of their numerous chances at Morrison Park and lost out to two goals in the closing 20 minutes.

The result leaves the Anglers in fourth place in Division One, a point behind St Duthus, ahead of Saturday's home game against leaders Invergordon.

McElroy reckoned his players were on course for at least a draw but goals from Cammy Mackintosh and Ben Bruce secured all three points for the Tain side.

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"We had countless chances but unfortunately we were unable to convert any on the day," the manager said. "We created more than enough – to be honest I would have been disappointed with a draw, let alone the defeat.

"Despite the frustration, on reflection the volume of chances created is a real positive. We always look dangerous going forward and hopefully we can be more clinical in future."

Now the Anglers face a return match with Invergordon just two weekends after losing 3-2 to the same opponents in Easter Ross.

Gary Campbell's men have taken maximum points from their opening four games and McElroy believes they deserve their tag as title favourites.

"We are possibly a little unfortunate having to play the league leaders in such a quick turnaround," he said. "It was a close game last time but we know the quality and depth they have and I fully expect a really difficult challenge on Saturday."

Once again McElroy has injury worries to contend with.

"We already half a dozen boys plus out at the minute and unfortunately Jordan Howden, John Budge and Bryan Reid are all additional doubts for Saturday," he said. "It’s difficult for sure, but always an opportunity for another lad to come in and play against probably the strongest team in the league."

In last Saturday's game Jonah Martens, Kyle Henderson, Ben Gordon, Chrissy Green and John Budge all squandered chances to put the home side in front in the first half and it was a similar story after the break, with the best opportunities falling to Henderson.

St Duthus broke the deadlock through Mackintosh in the 73rd minute after a succession of corners for the visitors. The Anglers' hopes were killed off in the closing stages when Jake Lockett ran to the edge of the box, held off an opponent and pulled it back for Bruce to slot past Lewis Gallacher.

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