Halkirk FC - Reports, Results & Photos - Season 2008-2009

David Allan Shield - Quarter-Final - 01/07/08
Halkirk 1 - 0 Swifts

Gavin gets stuck in... (more photos below)

A great win for the team in a game that sees us advance to the semi final of the Davie Allan Shield.

It's only been three weeks since Swifts visited Recreation Park and registered an embarrassing 9-0 defeat against us, but a repeat performance never looked like happening last night.

The visiting team enjoyed the majority of possession during the game, particularly in the first half but we did well to restrict them to mainly long range efforts and corner kicks.

Poop did well with a couple of saves in the first half and his handling of cross balls was always assured. He was beaten once when he came out for a one-on-one, but fortunately, Martin Bain was alert enough to spot the danger and got back to clear the effort off the line.

Although we were on the back foot for most of the opening 45 minutes, we were able to get forward and Spike probably should've scored when he got on the end of a Gavin Bremner free kick.

The closest we came was shortly before half time when Stevie C flashed a 25 yarder just past the upright.

Half Time 0 - 0

Stevie & Cookie battle in the air...

We started the second half well and the game turned into a more even contest as both teams attacked when the opportunity arose.

We took the lead about ten minutes into the second period.

Spike did well to win a header down the right hand side from where Adamson kept it alive and his cross into the box was only partially cleared to Bainer on the edge of the box.  He controlled the ball, stepped inside a couple of challenges and curled a fantastic left foot shot into the top corner.

This goal sparked the Swifts into action, but although they had a fair bit of the ball they were still restricted to long range efforts and cross balls as the defence, expertly marshalled by Martin, stood firm.

We were still a threat on the break as they left some gaps at the back and Adamson & Luke both came close to increasing our lead.

Their final chance saw a header fall just past the post and we were able to see the rest of the match out and clinch an extremely hard-fought win.

A fantastic win and a great feeling to avenge that nine goal drubbing.  The team has reacted well since that defeat and that's now four county wins on the spin.

We need to maintain the form and momentum as we have a really tough week next week as league leaders John O'Groats visit Recreation Park twice in 3 nights. They are our semi-final opponents on Monday night before we meet them in the league for the first time on Wednesday.

Go Wildcat's!!

report provided by Liam Bremner

Photos

photos above provided by James Gunn photographic

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