‘Sluggish performance’ but Anglers take the points
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CONVERTING sub-par performances into wins is a requisite for title-chasing teams.
The trick was achieved by Halkirk United last Saturday when a last-minute penalty allowed them to take all three points versus Alness.
Anglers boss Jock Mackay was satisfied with the outcome if less than chuffed with the display.
“It was a sluggish performance and the players know that,” he said. “We knew Alness would be well up for it as it was a game they couldn’t really afford to lose. I thought they were the better team in the first half but we showed a lot of resilience and finished the stronger.
“We’re obviously delighted to pick up the three points.”
Manager Mackay is calling on his troops to get their act together from the start in tomorrow’s top-of-the-table tussle with Muir of Ord Rovers.
Winger Chris Sutherland broke a finger last Saturday but was at training this week and is expected to start tomorrow. The only doubt is Alan Larnach who could miss out through work commitments.
Thurso are set to blood more youngsters as they look to rebuild after the departure of a clutch of regulars.
Long-serving Lee MacDougall has been ruled out this season through work commitments while all-time top-scorer Mark Nichol is preparing to head out for a work stint in Australia.
Midfielder Jamie MacKenzie is taking a protracted break while Gary MacGregor is facing a spell out with a suspected foot fracture.
Manager Stevie Reid said: “It looks like we’re going to have to field more youngsters earlier than I expected. We’re now without a handful of guys who were with the club for many years.
“They are massive losses but I’m looking forward to introducing some new faces.”
Reid is concerned at the number of times his side has drawn a blank this season but he said he would be more worried if his players weren’t creating chances.
An ankle injury looks like adding striker Graham MacNab to the club’s lengthening injury list but Martin Sutherland and Liam Bremner should return for tomorrow’s clash.
Tomorrow’s fixtures (2.30pm) – North Caledonian League: Alness United v Thurso; Clach “A” v Golspie Sutherland; Dingwall Thistle v Balintore; Halkirk United v Muir of Ord Rovers.
