We wanted a reaction and we got it, say Halkirk manager
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Manager Ewan McElroy says it "speaks volumes" for the quality of his Halkirk United players that they have held their own against Invergordon twice this season.
The Anglers came away with a 1-1 draw from Saturday's encounter with the North Caledonian League leaders at the Recreation Grounds.
The teams had fought out a goalless stalemate when they met at Morrison Park in November.
"It was a real squad performance," McElroy said. "After the disappointment of the previous week [a 2-1 defeat to St Duthus] we wanted a reaction from the boys and I thought they did that and more."
Halkirk went ahead inside four minutes – credited as an own goal by Ryan McFee after Innes Mackintosh delivered the ball into a dangerous area. Ken Morrison equalised 10 minutes from half-time.
McElroy said: "We started brightly, we were creating a number of chances and we were unlucky not to go 2-0 up within the first 15 minutes.
"Invergordon are a top team and we knew they would come back into the game. Outwith the goal I thought we limited them to half-chances and were unlucky ourselves on a couple occasions not to go back in front.
"A draw was probably a fair result on the balance of play. I was really pleased with the effort and attitude of the squad in general, and the fact that we have drawn twice with the league leaders and are possibly a little disappointed speaks volumes.
"Invergordon have a pretty settled squad and you don’t see a huge turnover of players each year. If you want to compete at the top end in this league then that consistency and continuity is vital.
"We know we have a number of games left and likely a few more midweek games. We will have to utilise the whole squad between now and the end of the season and hopefully we can build on Saturday's performance."
The Anglers, who remain fifth in the table, are at home to Alness United this weekend.
"We've lost once and won once against them this year and we expect another tight game," McElroy said. "All teams want to finish with as many points as possible and we will certainly be going out to get the win."
The Caithness derby between Thurso and Halkirk United had been scheduled for Wednesday this week. However, with Naver unavailable, the fixture will be rescheduled.
Loch Ness are now just a point behind Invergordon after the champions eased to a 3-0 victory in Orkney. Sam Urquhart scored twice and Josh Race got the other.
A double by Juan Cardona helped Fort William to a 3-1 home win against Golspie. Andrew Sneddon was also on target for the Lochaber side, with Golspie's goal coming from Alfie Mackay.
Results – North Caledonian League: Fort William 3, Golspie Sutherland 1; Invergordon 1, Halkirk United 1; Orkney 0, Loch Ness 3; Thurso 1, Bonar Bridge 2.
North Caledonian Cup, quarter-final: Clachnacuddin "A" 3, Alness United 1.
Fixtures – Wednesday, March 13: Clachnacuddin "A" v Inverness Athletic; Golspie Sutherland v Alness United.
Saturday, March 16 – North Caledonian League: Bonar Bridge v Thurso (1pm); Clachnacuddin "A" v Invergordon; Halkirk United v Alness United (1pm); Inverness Athletic v Fort William; Orkney v St Duthus.
North Caledonian Cup, quarter-final: Golspie Sutherland v Loch Ness.
