Vikings aiming to complete cup double over Bonar Bridge
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Thurso will be looking to complete a double over Bonar Bridge when they travel to Migdale for Saturday's delayed North Caledonian Cup first-round tie.
The Vikings were 4-1 winners over the Sutherland side at the same stage in this season's Football Times Cup and went on to lift the trophy.
Manager Michael Bremner feels that another cup run would kick-start the season for his team, who are languishing in second-bottom place in the North Caley table.
“It really is what we've got to aim for because we're so far behind in the league," Bremner said. "Yes, we do want to get up higher in the league, but a cup run would be nice.”
It has been a frustrating few weeks for Thurso with a series of postponements, culminating in the derby at Halkirk being called off on Tuesday night because of high winds. The Vikings have played only one match since Christmas, the 2-1 home defeat to St Duthus.
“We're trying to kick on, we're trying to get started and get a good run going," Bremner said.
"We were going to be strong on Tuesday night but this weekend we've got a couple of boys missing. You're strong one week and then you're not the next.”
Luke Manson and James McLean are unavailable this weekend.
“They are two of our strongest players but it gives someone else a chance to come in,” Bremner said.
The Football Times Cup victory over Bonar came in September when Stevie Reid was still Thurso's manager. Marc Macgregor got a hat-trick that day.
The Sutherland outfit, managed by Robert Mitchell, are having their most successful league campaign since they returned to the North Caley ranks in 2019. They are in eighth place in the 11-team division.
Bremner said: “They were always the whipping boys but this season I've noticed a big difference in their results.”
Loch Ness moved seven points clear at the top of the table last Saturday as they beat Alness United 3-2 at Fortrose.
Steven MacDonald, Josh Race and Ryan Ingram were on target for the leaders, with Jack Davison and Michael McKenzie replying for Alness.
Loch Ness manager Shane Carling said: "It was a must-win game and thankfully we got the points.”
Fixtures: Saturday – North Caledonian League: Alness United v Orkney.
North Caledonian Cup, first round: Bonar Bridge v Thurso (1pm); Halkirk United v Invergordon (1pm); Inverness Athletic v St Duthus. North Caledonian Cup, quarter-final: Golspie Sutherland v Loch Ness.
Tuesday, February 8 – North Caledonian League: Thurso v Halkirk United (Morrison Park, 8pm).
