Morale in Halkirk United squad is ‘big reason for current good form’
Halkirk United manager Ewan McElroy accepts that Invergordon are favourites for the North Caledonian League title but he says all the teams in contention face difficult tests between now and the end of the season.
McElroy’s men racked up an impressive 7-2 victory over Alness United at Dalmore Park at the weekend. That result lifted them back to the top of the table, three points clear of Invergordon, although the reigning champions have two games in hand.
United have shown remarkable consistency this season, on their travels in particular. They have won 15 of their 17 league fixtures, including all nine away games, one of which was a 2-0 success at Invergordon in September.
However, Invergordon have otherwise been relentless in picking up points, while Golspie and Inverness Athletic are also in the mix.
The Anglers’ scorers at Alness were Jonah Martens (2), Sean Munro, Aidan Reid (2), Murray Mackay and James Mackintosh. The home side replied through Jamie Macleod and an own goal.
“It was a mature and determined performance from the squad,” McElroy said.
“Alness had already beaten us on their own patch at the start of the season [in a Football Times Cup tie] and we knew what was required if we did not want a repeat performance.
“The most pleasing aspects from the squad were the number of chances created and the work rate from everyone involved.
“I thought we dictated the tempo of the game from the start. Despite losing a bit of a fluke of a goal to make it 1-1, the boys knew that if they kept working hard, and kept it simple, chances would come.
“The players are working hard for each other and the morale in the squad is a big reason for the current good form.
“There were some really neat finishes from the boys. It was good to see Jonah back amongst the goals and similarly, although maybe a little surprisingly, good to see both centre-backs score with their feet as opposed to their heads for a change!
“Murray Mackay’s goal was probably the pick of the bunch, spotting the keeper off his line and scoring from 25 yards. It’s good to see him back in the fold and he is looking sharper with every minute.”
Halkirk United will welcome eighth-placed Fort William to Morrison Park this Saturday.
The Anglers won 2-1 when the sides met at Claggan Park in November, with goals from Mark Munro and Kieran MacGregor before Fort’s Andrew McLean pulled one back late on.
McElroy said: “There are still a number of hugely difficult games left for all teams up and around the top.
“We obviously want to finish as high as we can, and we know Invergordon are rightly still favourites with their games in hand and the squad at their disposal.
“Saturday is another test for the boys. We managed to come away with the win last time by the odd goal, and it looks like they have further strengthened their squad in January.
“It promises to be a difficult game but it’s another we are all looking forward to.”
Thurso’s disappointing season took another downward turn with the cancellation of their scheduled North Caledonian Cup quarter-final against Invergordon. The Vikings were unable to raise a team for the trip to Easter Ross so the tie was forfeited.
Thurso, who are 10th in the 12-team division, have a home game against fourth-placed Inverness Athletic this weekend.
North Caledonian League top four: 1 Halkirk United (played 17, points 45); 2 Invergordon (15, 42); 3 Golspie Sutherland (17, 39); 4 Inverness Athletic (14, 34).
Results – North Caledonian League: Alness United 2, Halkirk United 7; Bunillidh Thistle 0, Orkney 2; Inverness Athletic 6, Clachnacuddin “A” 1; St Duthus 4, Bonar Bridge 2.
Fixtures – Saturday, February 8 – North Caledonian League: Bunillidh Thistle v Bonar Bridge; Clachnacuddin “A” v Alness United; Halkirk United v Fort William (1pm); Orkney v Golspie Sutherland; St Duthus v Invergordon; Thurso v Inverness Athletic (1pm).
