Minute's silence to be observed as Vikings pay tribute to former captain Shaun Moar
A minute's silence will be observed before Thurso's home game against Loch Ness in the North Caledonian League on Saturday in memory of much-admired defender Shaun Moar.
Known to many as Stretchie, he was a former captain of the Vikings and was widely respected for his hard but fair playing style. Moar played in the club's first North Caley championship-winning team in 1999/2000.
He worked for GD Energy Services as an SQEP 1 decommissioning operative.
Thurso manager Michael Bremner played alongside Moar in the Acks side that won the Caithness AFA first division championship in 2005.
"He was a topper of a guy," Bremner said. "He was a typical captain – he was a hard player, he was committed, and as a defender he was hard to get past. Off the park he was just a really nice guy."
In a tweet, Thurso described Moar as a "legend of a man" and sent condolences to his family and friends.
Loch Ness are four points clear at the top of the table and Bremner will be facing them for the first time since taking on the Thurso job a year ago.
"I'm looking forward to seeing them," Bremner said. "When we came in last year, Thurso had played their two games against Loch Ness early doors.
"It'll be a good test. They've strengthened since last season but we'll go out there and see how we get on."
The Vikings were under-strength again last Saturday as they went down 5-0 to reigning champions Invergordon at the Recreation Grounds. Ben Kelly scored twice for the Easter Ross side, with the others coming from Jordan Knight, Colin Mason and Ken Morrison.
"We knew we were going to be short and it was not ideal," Bremner said. "Invergordon were strong.
"We battled well but made silly mistakes again, and every time we make a mistake it's a goal."
Lack of personnel has been a recurring problem for Thurso this season. Bremner and coach Scott Davidson were listed among the substitutes on Saturday, as was Martin Banks, who made himself available after climbing Ben Bhraggie earlier in the day.
"It's frustrating not getting everybody together," Bremner said. "You're thinking about teams during the week and then it just goes to pot on a Friday night."
Thurso remain 10th in the table.
Loch Ness eased to a 7-1 victory over Nairn County "A" 7-1 at Fortrose on Saturday.
Allan Macphee got a hat-trick for the leaders, with the others coming from Calum Neil (2), Phil Macdonald and an own goal. Sam Gordon scored Nairn's goal.
Shane Carling’s men remain undefeated with eight wins from nine fixtures.
North Caledonian League results: Fort William 1, Inverness Athletic 2; Golspie Sutherland v Clachnacuddin "A"; Halkirk United 5, Bonar Bridge 1; Invergordon 5, Thurso 0; Loch Ness 7, Nairn County "A" 1; St Duthus 2, Orkney 2.
North Caledonian League fixtures – Friday, November 4: Fort William v Clachnacuddin "A". Saturday, November 5: Bonar Bridge v Invergordon; Inverness Athletic v Halkirk United (1pm); Nairn County "A" v Alness United; Thurso v Loch Ness (1pm).
Title triumph in 2005 was dedicated to Moar
When Acks won the county league in 2005 the triumph was dedicated to Shaun Moar, who was described at the time as an "inspirational veteran" who had played through the pain barrier.
Acks sealed the title with a 1-1 draw against Pentland United at Ham Park. A match report in the Caithness Courier stated:
"The title has come in Colin Chessor’s first season in charge of the Thurso side. Speaking as the post-match celebrations got into full swing, Chessor singled out inspirational veteran defender Shaun Moar for special praise.
"The 40-year-old played through the pain barrier before having to be carried off midway through the second half when he collapsed in agony with a chronic knee injury he had aggravated a fortnight earlier.
"His manager said: 'Shaun decided to play and showed tremendous courage throughout. We’re dedicating the victory to him as he has played over 20 years for Acks and this is his first county title.'”