Anglers ‘in a good place’ ahead of North Caledonian Cup semi
Manager Ewan McElroy accepts that Halkirk United will be seen as underdogs in this weekend’s North Caledonian Cup semi-final against newly crowned league champions Invergordon – but he says the Anglers are “in a good place” at the moment after their high-scoring midweek derby victory over Thurso.
Halkirk emerged as 6-3 winners at Naver on Tuesday night, having been 2-1 down at one point in the first half.
Kuba Koziol's early opener was cancelled out by an own goal, then Michael Steven put the Vikings in front. Halkirk's Innes Mackintosh made it all square again just before the break.
Mark Munro put the Anglers ahead and further goals by Sean Munro and Stuart Campbell extended their lead before James Murray reduced the deficit. Koziol then struck again with his second of the night.
McElroy said: “It was good to get back out playing again after the recent postponements and call-offs. The derby is usually an eventful game and this one was no different – nine goals, and both teams could have scored more.
“We started well and took an early lead through Kuba, but for some reason we went a little flat after the goal. Thurso deserved their equaliser and then took the lead with a well-worked goal.
“We drew level just before half-time and it was good to get in at the interval and regroup and try to iron out a couple small issues.
“We were much better in the second half. We managed to move the ball a lot quicker and there was an increased focus and purpose about our play.
“We got ourselves in front and never really looked back. The entire squad played a part and the boys that came on had a really positive impact.”
The result guarantees third place in the table for McElroy’s side. Their scheduled match against Fort William last weekend was cancelled as Fort were unable to raise a team for the trip to Caithness.
The semi-final at Morrison Park had to be rearranged after a waterlogged pitch led to a postponement last week. Kick-off is at 2pm on Saturday.
“Next up it’s the difficult task of playing Invergordon in the semi-final,” McElroy said. “Although we will be going in as underdogs, we are in a good place at the minute and the whole squad are looking forward to Saturday.”
Loch Ness booked their place in the final with a 4-1 midweek victory over Clachnacuddin “A”. Conor Macphee scored a hat-trick, including one from the penalty spot.
Results: Saturday – North Caledonian League: St Duthus 2, Loch Ness 2; Thurso 1, Orkney 0. Tuesday – North Caledonian League: Thurso 3, Halkirk United 6. Wednesday – North Caledonian Cup semi-final: Clachnacuddin “A” 1, Loch Ness 4.
Fixtures for Saturday, April 6 – North Caledonian League: Golspie Sutherland v Orkney (12.45pm); Thurso v Loch Ness (2pm).
North Caledonian Cup semi-final: Halkirk United v Invergordon (2pm).
