Thurso manager finds ‘a lot more positivity’ despite seventh defeat in a row
Thurso manager Tom McKenna feels there is a sense of positivity within his players despite their latest setback in the North Caledonian League.
The Vikings slipped to a seventh successive defeat in all competitions when they were beaten 2-0 by league champions Invergordon at the Dammies on Saturday.
McKenna was “very disappointed” about the result but said: “It’s probably the first time ever in my time in football that I have been satisfied with our performance whilst losing the game.
“Prior to the game some people were saying it’s going to be double figures, and this and that, but the lads really battled through the game.
“Invergordon dominated possession – we knew that was going to be the case – but the lads rallied. I was quite pleased.
“We just can’t get a settled team, it’s new faces every week. It seems to be that Thursday and Friday you’re constantly chasing people to try and assemble a team to put on the park on a Saturday.
“But speaking to the lads after the game, as much as they were disappointed, there was a lot more positivity within them than the previous week. It was good to see them not really, really down and being a bit more buoyant in their attitude.
“The core of guys are putting a tremendous shift in and they’re just getting nothing from it with the results. But there were positives to take from it.
“It’s just a process. Personally I’ve got to be patient and persevere with what we’ve got and try to keep the guys uplifted week in, week out, and try to create a positive atmosphere.”
Invergordon’s goals came seven minutes into each half, courtesy of Ally MacDonald and Calum Brown.
Thurso go to Bonar Bridge this Saturday, a fortnight after losing 3-0 at home to the Sutherland side. A goal or two would be welcome, as the Vikings have gone more than 400 minutes without scoring – a run stretching back four-and-a-half games.
Inverness Athletic kept up their title challenge on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over St Duthus in Tain. Bradi Hulme got both goals for Athletic, either side of Adrian Voigt’s equaliser.
The Highland capital side are now second in the table. They have the same points tally as champions Invergordon (15) but a marginally better goal difference.
Halkirk United remain three points clear at the top after their 4-0 victory over Alness United at Morrison Park, with all the goals coming in the first half.
Liam Bremner scored twice in Golspie’s 3-0 home victory over Bonar Bridge. Orkney had an impressive 4-1 victory away to Fort William.
North Caledonian League results: Bunillidh Thistle 2, Clachnacuddin “A” 3; Fort William 1, Orkney 4; Golspie Sutherland 3, Bonar Bridge 0; Halkirk United 4, Alness United 0; St Duthus 1, Inverness Athletic 2; Thurso 0, Invergordon 2.
Fixtures for Saturday, October 12 – North Caledonian League: Alness United v Fort William; Bonar Bridge v Thurso (2pm); Golspie Sutherland v St Duthus; Halkirk United v Clachnacuddin “A” (2pm); Inverness Athletic v Orkney; Invergordon v Bunillidh Thistle.
