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Orkney cup tie breaks up Vikings' flying start


By Matt Leslie

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'Orkney's over there, lads.' Thurso boss Stevie Reid issues out instructions ahead of Saturday's cup tie across the Pentland Firth. Picture: James Gunn
'Orkney's over there, lads.' Thurso boss Stevie Reid issues out instructions ahead of Saturday's cup tie across the Pentland Firth. Picture: James Gunn

Thurso boss Stevie Reid admits Saturday's Jock Mackay Memorial Cup tie at Orkney has come at a bad time for his Vikings.

Not because they are struggling or down on player numbers – but because the cup competition takes them away from league business.

The Vikings have made a blistering start to their North Caledonian League campaign with three wins out of three, scoring 11 goals in the process.

It's a stark contrast from last season when Thurso could not buy a win for love nor money.

They've come flying out of the blocks this time round with last weekend's 5-1 win at Bonar Bridge putting them top of the table.

Reid said: "I suppose this tie has come at a bad time given it breaks up our momentum in the league.

"However, Orkney will provide us with a further indication of our progress – more so given as this will be our toughest game to date this season.

"It's never an easy place to go to. Orkney are a very strong side and always make it difficult for you.

"We should have good numbers for this one. All the stag-do boys are back – thankfully none of them were left handcuffed to a lamppost or anything like that.

"Conor Dunnet, though, will be missing due to work and then a holiday to the United States – which we knew was coming, given he'd booked it well in advance.

"Asa Sinclair might be a doubt for this one as he picked up a niggle in his shoulder so we'll see how that is before the game."

Thankfully none of them were left handcuffed to a lamppost.

Despite fielding a team packed with youngsters, goals from Conor Trueman (2), Connor Macintosh, Innes MacIntosh and Charlie Fraser gave them victory at Bonar Bridge. Robbie Murray scored for the visitors.

Reid added: "Despite the scoreline it was tough going. It was hot – around 24 degrees – and the pitch was sticky as a result.

"We made a good start, going 2-0 up, but then we got caught on the break to let Bonar back in and for 15 minutes or so we lost our shape.

"Thankfully Conor Trueman took the game by the scruff of the neck and we were able to win quite comfortably."

Halkirk, despite taking the lead, suffered yet another heavy defeat at the hands of St Duthus who triumphed 4-1.

The Tain side had knocked the Anglers out of the Jock Mackay Memorial Cup the previous week but, with Halkirk being at home for this one, it looked as if the tables would be turned when Bobby Gunn shot them in front.

But St Duthus hit back with two goals in as many minutes via Jon Campbell and Gordon Finlayson. A Ryan Sutherland own goal put Halkirk further behind and their misery was complete when Cammy Mackintosh netted for the away side near the end.

In the Jock Mackay Memorial Cup, Orkney set up their home tie with Thurso by knocking out Lewis and Harris 3-1. Liam Delday (2) and Zak Singh hit the target for Orkney, with the Western Isles side grabbing a consolation via Hamish MacDonald.

Halkirk's Bobby Gunn slips the ball past St Duthus keeper Stephen Campbell to score the opening goal. However, that was as good as it got for the Anglers as St Duthus hit back to win 4-1. Picture: James Gunn
Halkirk's Bobby Gunn slips the ball past St Duthus keeper Stephen Campbell to score the opening goal. However, that was as good as it got for the Anglers as St Duthus hit back to win 4-1. Picture: James Gunn

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