Three points and clean sheet ‘a pleasing way to finish the season’ for Anglers
Assistant manager Liam Anderson praised the Halkirk United players for their commitment after they rounded off their North Caledonian League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Orkney.
The Anglers ended the season as runners-up with an impressive tally of 18 wins from 22 fixtures, six points behind champions Invergordon – whose only dropped points came in their two matches against Halkirk United.
The only goal at Morrison Park on Saturday came midway through the second half when a corner was headed in by James Mackintosh.
“It was a pleasing way to finish the season, with three points and a clean sheet,” Anderson said.
“It was a much-changed Halkirk team to what we are used to seeing, with some lads having never played at this level before, so credit to them.
“It is our highest points tally since we have come in and still wasn’t enough, so that shows just how strong a position Invergordon are in – and credit to them.
“We are all proud of the performance and commitment from everyone in our squad this season. The lads have been excellent.
“We will have a little break now and look to hopefully add two or three to our squad for next season.”
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The Anglers reached the semi-finals of the North Caledonian Cup only to lose 3-0 to Invergordon at the end of March.
The Easter Ross side will take on Golspie in the final this Saturday at the Sutherland club’s ground, King George V Park.
Golspie’s strong Caithness contingent have been prominent this season.
Manager Andrew Banks said: “Winning a cup would put a bit of positivity on what otherwise has been a poor season.
“We have underperformed in the league and we wanted to be closer to making a title challenge.
“Invergordon will go into the final as favourites. But if we can turn up on the day, and have everyone available, we should give them a game.”
Thurso rounded off a frustrating season on a positive note with a 4-0 victory in Wednesday night’s basement battle against Bunillidh Thistle.
An own goal put the Vikings in front at Morrison Park and they added three more through Jay Foubister, Jamie Mackenzie and substitute Shane Honeyman.
The Vikings ended up second from bottom of the 12-team division with 10 points from 22 games. Bunillidh are on four points with one fixture still to play.
Manager Tom McKenna said: “It was a nice way to end the season. I’m pleased for the players who have continually given up their time, and for the lads that came in to help us out.
“Overall I thought we were the better team, we restricted their opportunities and created the better chances in front of goal – hence the scoreline.”
Results – North Caledonian League: Bunillidh Thistle 0, Inverness Athletic 3; Halkirk United 1, Orkney 0; St Duthus 2, Invergordon 4; Thurso 4, Bunillidh Thistle 0.
Fixtures – Saturday, April 12 – North Caledonian Cup final: Golspie Sutherland v Invergordon (King George V Park, 1pm). North Caledonian League: Orkney v Bunillidh Thistle (12.45pm).
