Victory at Inverness 'a massive three points' for league leaders Halkirk United
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Manager Ewan McElroy described Halkirk United’s victory over Inverness Athletic in difficult conditions last Saturday as “a massive three points”.
The 2-0 win kept the Anglers in top spot in the North Caledonian League and they will be looking to stay ahead of the chasing pack when Orkney visit Morrison Park this weekend.
Grant MacNab opened the scoring at Inverness Royal Academy with a superb free kick on 57 minutes and Jonah Martens made sure of the points in stoppage time.
“The conditions were woeful for football," McElroy said. "We knew as soon as we arrived it was going to be an absolute battle with the wind – little wonder games were postponed over the weekend.
“Neither team really benefited from the conditions as Inverness themselves seemed like a decent outfit and wanted to get the ball down and play where possible. We were happy with the clean sheet.
“Grant MacNab only seems to score sublime goals at the minute and Saturday was no different. His free kick was inch-perfect.
“Jonah might not have had his best game but he still managed to pop up with the second goal near the end. It was a massive three points.”
Orkney had been enjoying an upturn in fortunes after a poor start to the season, but their last two scheduled matches have been postponed because of a Covid-19 outbreak.
McElroy said: “I have always been impressed with Orkney. Every game we have played against them has been close.
“They have obviously had a couple of weeks off playing but were on an excellent run before that.”
Loch Ness moved up to second place on Saturday with a 3-0 victory over Bonar Bridge at Migdale.
The visitors established a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes with goals from Josh Race and Conor Macphee. Darren MacGregor added a third midway through the second half to make the points safe.
Loch Ness are one point behind Halkirk United with a game in hand.
Nairn County "A" went up to sixth following a 1-0 win over Alness United at Dalmore Park thanks to Nathan Grant’s strike in the 18th minute.
Invergordon dropped to third after their match against Orkney was postponed.
North Caledonian League fixtures for Saturday: Loch Ness v Golspie Sutherland; Inverness Athletic v Bonar Bridge; Halkirk United v Orkney (2.15pm); Nairn County “A” v Thurso (1pm); St Duthus v Invergordon.
Halkirk United manager Ewan McElroy has hailed his former Thurso counterpart Stevie Reid as “a brilliant servant” for the Vikings.
Reid, who led Thurso to two North Caledonian League titles, announced his resignation last week. The two Caithness clubs are due to meet in the Football Times Cup final next weekend.
“I want to wish Stevie all the very best for the future,” McElroy said. “He has been a great advocate for football in Caithness over the years and has been an excellent manager for Thurso.
“It’s a massive commitment managing a team and Stevie has been a brilliant servant for Thurso over the years.”
Reid has been replaced by former Halkirk United manager Michael Bremner, who will be assisted by Scott Davidson.
McElroy said: “I know Michael and have no doubt he will do a great job at Thurso. They have a talented squad, and with the players they have I am certain they can challenge the majority of teams and climb the table in the process.”
