Halkirk FC - Reports, Results & Photos - Season 2009-2010

Highland Amateur Cup Quarter Final replay - 18/07/09
Halkirk 1 - 3 Avoch

Stevie toppled for definite penalty.
photo from jamesgunn.co.uk

The Wildcat's Highland Amateur Cup dream is over for another year as we were knocked out by Avoch in our quarter final replay.

We made a flying start to the game and could've been two goals up inside the opening five minutes but were unable to capitalise on some dangerous cross balls that flashed across the visitors goalmouth.

The away side then settled into the game, some of their more experienced players started to take control of the match and they looked the more dominant side as we struggled to match their movement of the ball.

In saying that, it was a particularly soft goal that we lost to give them the advantage.

We failed to deal with a long punt into our box and in the scramble that followed, a combination of Crispy & Pies took down their attacker.

They made no mistake from the penalty spot and went a goal in front.

We were almost level soon after when Spike met a driven free kick from Mikey at the front post and he guided his effort goalwards only to see it rebound back of the post.

There was very few goalmouth incidents after that as most of the remainder of the first half was played in the middle third as both teams struggled to take control of a pretty even but uneventful game.

Spike follows in to score penalty rebound.
photo from jamesgunn.co.uk

Half Time 0 - 1

We were still well in the game at half time but lost a terrible goal two minutes into the second half, as a lack of communication caused confusion in the defence and allowed their attacker to toe-poke an effort over the line.

We were now desperate to get back into the game and Avoch looked dangerous on the break as they looked to get a killer third goal.

We really went for it in the final twenty minutes and looked to have pulled a goal back when Charlie picked the ball up twenty five yards out, beat two men and then fired a shot past the keeper.

As the crowd went wild on the sidelines and the team rushed to get the ball back into play, all the celebrations were cut short by a linesman's flag for an offside decision in the build up to the goal.

Tempers were frayed now both on the pitch and the sidelines as the ref struggled to keep control of things.

With the visitors rattled, we soon got the goal needed to get back into the game.

Stevie C was brought down just inside the box for what was a stonewall penalty and despite Gavin's effort being poorly struck, the keeper failed to hold it and Spike fired in the rebound.

Charlie scores the goal that was disallowed...!!!
photo from jamesgunn.co.uk

They were reduced to ten men in the aftermath when a defender was sent off for kicking out at Blocks.

Just when we thought we were back in the game and in with a chance of taking the game into extra time, we conceded yet another soft goal.

Slack marking from a free kick allowed their tallest player a free header six yards out, he made no mistake and scored the killer third goal.

That knocked the stuffing out of us and the visitors were able to see out the final ten minutes relatively comfortably.

A very disappointing day for everyone connected with the club as our Highland Cup run finally comes to an end.

It's been a great run, with a few memorable trips along the way but we just fell short on the day against a very experienced Avoch side, who thoroughly deserved their victory.

We need to try and move on from this now and try and win as many of our remaining league games as possible and go on a good run in the David Allan Shield.

Go Wildcat's!!

report provided by Liam Bremner

Och forward safely finishes penalty to go 1 up.

Spike's excellent header comes off the post at the end of first half.

Kitten jumps high but no joy this time.

Och free-kick just clears the bar but Pies' is covering safely.

A direct corner kick baffles Och keeper and strikes the post.

Och keeper pulls off great penalty save to deny Gavin but Spike is first to the ball and finishes well for a bit of hope.

2-1 down, not long to go, the ball comes over and with four against two it should be safe...

...but the Och striker gets to it first...

...and it's in the back of the net with the Och players celebrating. GAME OVER.

photos above from DZ.

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