Thurso boss Reid expecting festive fireworks in cup derby
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THURSO manager Stevie Reid expects some festive fireworks in Saturday's Caithness derby at Morrison Park.
The Vikings clash with county rivals Halkirk United in the final group match in the Football Times Cup, and although there is nothing at stake Reid believes it will be a very competitive match.
“With it being a derby both teams will be looking to put one over on each other,” Reid said.
“I think it will be close. Halkirk have obviously picked up from the start they had but we will be looking to kick on from the display in the 2-2 draw in Orkney a couple of weeks ago.
"We played some really excellent stuff for three-quarters of that game. If we can repeat that it will be all I can ask – it was a good overall performance.”
The Thurso boss expects to blood a few of his younger players in this one.
“It gives us the chance to give some of the guys who have been on the bench a run out – it's only fair they get a chance," he said. "We have a good number of young boys who are all doing well.”
Centre-back Rob Maclean is on holiday and is expected to be the only absentee for the Vikings.
Reid has also been boosted by the news that long-term injury duo Scott Bell and David Hale may be involved at some stage.
Halkirk manager Ewan McElroy also expects a tough match.
“Thurso will definitely be favourites, considering where they are in the league,” he said. “Stevie has done a terrific job in building a good squad there.
"I think it will be tough game. But in any derby game the boys are going to want to compete well.”
Chris Green is still out with a shoulder injury, while Bryan Reid is in Australia over the festive period.
However, Stuart Sinclair is hoping to shake off an injury is expected to play for the Anglers.
In the other north section match, Golspie Sutherland, who have already qualified for the final, face county rivals Bunillidh Thistle at King George V Park.
“Hopefully we can finish the group unbeaten,” Golspie manager Andrew Banks said. “But it won't be easy against Bunillidh – they always play well against us. It will be a tough game but we will do a full squad rotate which will give us a chance to rest a few players.”
Banks will be without experienced trio Graeme Williamson, Grant MacNab and Conor Cormack.
In the league, St Duthus make the short trip to play Invergordon at the Recreation Grounds in a top-of-the-table clash.
The leaders St Duthus are looking to stretch their lead at the top with a third victory of the season over their Easter Ross rivals.
Scott Miller will miss out for Saints, while Invergordon manager Gary Campbell expects to be at full strength. Campbell has added new signings Russell MacIntyre, Callum Gow and Iain Ross to his squad ahead of the match.
In the other league match, struggling Bonar Bridge face Orkney at Migdale Park.
Fixtures for Saturday – North Caledonian League: Bonar Bridge v Orkney (12.30); Invergordon v St Duthus. Football Times Cup: Golspie Sutherland v Bunillidh Thistle; Halkirk United v Thurso (1pm unless stated).
