We should have picked up six points instead of two, says Reid as Thurso are held again
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Stevie Reid is frustrated that Thurso have had to settle for back-to-back draws in their last two games instead of taking maximum points – but he hasn't given up entirely on the Vikings' North Caledonian League title hopes.
“We’ve just got to carry on and look after ourselves," the manager said after Saturday's 1-1 draw with St Duthus at the Dammies.
Reid felt there were similarities to the previous weekend's match in Orkney which ended 2-2 after Thurso had dominated for long spells.
"Between last week’s draw and this one it’s a bit deflating because to be honest it should have been six points, the way they played and went about their business," Reid said.
“But if you don’t score, you don’t deserve anything at the back of it.”
The Division One title is still within the Vikings' reach but Golspie are very much in the driving seat. The Sutherland side remain one point clear after their goalless draw with second-placed Invergordon and will be champions if they win their last two fixtures, both against Orkney.
Thurso made the breakthrough against St Duthus just before half-time with a fine strike by Connor MacIntosh. Hasheem Bremner levelled for the Tain side eight minutes into the second half.
“I thought we totally dominated the game," Reid said. “Possession-wise it was probably 70-30 in our favour.
"We were just pushing and pushing the whole time but we just couldn’t score. I think we could have done better with a couple of chances but their keeper [Johnny Allan] certainly helped them out big-time.
“They defended deep and they defended really well. It was up to us to break them down and we just didn’t.
“The pitch was a bit sticky and to run with the ball was quite difficult.
"Connor's goal was a screamer. He hit it from outside the box – it was a bullet and I don’t think the keeper even saw it.
“We were very comfortable for most of the game and their goal was a bit soft. It could have been prevented in our eyes, but that happens.”
One more win for Golspie would make it impossible for Thurso to catch them. Reid believes the leaders will prove too strong for bottom club Orkney, especially as he understands the islanders are losing a few of their squad with players being released to go to summer teams.
Thurso's last two games are both against Invergordon, who will be hoping to take advantage if Golspie do slip up.
Alness United, who secured the Division Two championship by beating Inverness Athletic 3-2 last midweek, lifted the trophy after a 4-1 victory over Bonar Bridge at Dalmore Park on Saturday.
Nairn County A were awarded a 1-0 win after Scourie forfeited their scheduled fixture.
Full results and tables can be seen here.
