We more than matched the champions, says Halkirk United manager
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Halkirk United's winning start to the 2023/24 North Caledonian League campaign has come to an end but manager Ewan McElroy is focusing on the positives after the narrow defeat to Loch Ness on Saturday.
McElroy insisted the Anglers were more than a match for the champions, who emerged with a 1-0 victory at Morrison Park courtesy of a Chris Innes header late in the first half.
United, who had won their opening two league games, have no fixture this weekend.
"It was a close encounter – both teams were pretty evenly matched," McElroy said. "I thought we started the brighter and had the better of the opening exchanges.
"We had a couple of really good chances in the first half and up until the goal I thought defensively we were excellent.
"Of course it’s a little disappointing to come away with nothing. But, being pragmatic about things, we more than matched the league champions and if we were a little more clinical in the final third we would have come away with a point at the very least.
"What is now important is the boys use this to push forward rather than dwell on the result."
The Anglers strengthened their squad with several signings over the summer.
"I am pretty pleased with how the new boys have settled in," McElroy said. "The squad in general are showing a really committed and determined attitude towards training and matches and it is really positive to see.
"We have changed a number of things this year, including a mini-transition with players. We know that this takes time to settle and get used to each other's strengths and weaknesses.
"Loch Ness only really added a couple top players to their squad this year and you can see they are a well-organised outfit and that continuity helps."
After an in-house bounce game during the week, the Halkirk squad will have the weekend off. Their next match is away to Inverness Athletic in the league on September 23.
"We know from last year how difficult it is playing them on their own patch," McElroy said.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Alan Mathieson has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
The forward picked up the injury while playing for Wick Groats in last month's Highland Amateur Cup final against Avoch. He hobbled off just eight minutes into the game.
"It's a real shame as I know how much Alan was looking forward to playing winter football and he is a terrific lad both on and off the pitch," McElroy said. "I have no doubt he will come back stronger than ever but he will be out for the foreseeable future."
League leaders Fort William came from behind to defeat St Duthus 2-1. Doeimassei Muller Doguie and Connor McLeod scored either side of half-time after Aaron Skinner had put the Tain side in front.
Bonar Bridge’s impressive start to the campaign was halted as they lost 4-1 against Orkney, with all the goals coming in the second half. Chris Simpson, Jason Scott, Ewan Stevenson and Toby Macleod scored for the islanders, with Bonar's goal coming from Aiden Stainke.
Invergordon won 4-2 at home to Inverness Athletic, while Alness United beat Clachnacuddin "A" 2-0 in Evanton.
North Caledonian League results: Bonar Bridge 1, Orkney 4; Clachnacuddin "A" 0, Alness United 2; Halkirk United 0, Loch Ness 1; Invergordon 4, Inverness Athletic 2; St Duthus 1, Fort William 2.
Fixtures for Saturday – North Caledonian League: Fort William v Invergordon; St Duthus v Thurso (2pm).
Football Times Cup – Semi-final: Bonar Bridge v Inverness Athletic. Quarter-finals: Golspie v Alness United; Loch Ness v Clachnacuddin "A".
