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

Highland Amateur Cup Round 3 - 20/06/09
Sleat & Strath, Skye 2 - 2 Halkirk

Spike celebrates scoring a late, late equaliser

The Wildcat's made the long trip to Skye for their third round match of the Highland Amateur Cup. With a fair bit of interest in the game, it was refreshing to see an almost full bus making the journey as around 20 supporters joined us on our journey.

It was a good run down the road despite taking over 5 hours, although it did seem to pass quicker thanks in part to Crispy, who despite being ruled out with a knee problem, kept everyone's spirits high as he got the whole bus hooked on playing bingo. A great idea but he maybe has to do a bit of work on his bingo calling technique as he was lacking the one-liners to go with the numbers.

We arrived at our destination about 50 minutes before kick-off and were greeted by what can quite simply be described as disgraceful facilities!

The small, ruin of a portacabin that we had to get changed in was so bad that a lot of the team decided to get changed outside! This wreck of a place, along with the fact that we had to drive for 5 miles after the game to get a shower (which was one shower for the whole team to use) left everyone in agreement that these were the worst facilities that we have ever seen.

Despite the long bus journey and the terrible facilities, we made a pretty good start and enjoyed the majority of possession, in the first half.

Brenda's header goes just over

It was difficult to play any sort of passing game as the pitch was anything but flat.

We did try to get at them but most of our early success came from the powerful running of Bainer down the right hand side. He was able to get a few good crosses into the box but a lack of bodies in their meant that they were able to deal with it comfortably.

We were failing to test their keeper as most of our shots were from distance and failing to hit the target.

Blocks tried his luck from the edge of the box and despite being a poorly struck effort, it almost embarrassed the keeper as he missed it altogether and went just wide of the post.

Stevie C & Mikey also had long range shots but failed to hit the target.

It wasn't all one-way traffic though, but the defence were playing well and we were able to restrict the home side to the occasional corner kick.

Just before half time, we missed the best chance of the game.

Mikey clears

Adamson did well to hold off the challenge of two defenders and rather than square the ball inside to Bainer, he decided to have a shot himself but it was blocked. The rebound fell to Charlie and he only had to pick his spot from 12 yards but fired over the bar.

Half Time 0 - 0

From looking quite comfortable in the first half, it was a completely different story in the second.

We made a reasonably solid start but then disaster struck about 5 minutes in, as Sleat & Strath took the lead.

A shot from the edge of the box took a deflection off Blocks and wrong-footed Pies giving him no chance.

Unfortunately after conceding this goal, we panicked and totally lost our shape and discipline despite there being plenty of time left to get an equaliser.

We were pushing more and more men forward and leaving ourselves exposed at the back and they were able to hit us on the break.

We had a major let-off when Pies appeared to foul their striker in the box but the referee somehow waved away their appeals and gave a goal kick.

We were becoming more and more desperate as we went in search of the equaliser but were still unable to test their keeper.

Gavin just puts the attacker off a chance

Then, with about ten minutes to go, they doubled their lead.

Pies was left absolutely no chance as he was beaten by a wonder strike from 30 yards that went in off the underside of the bar.

We didn't give up though as we went more or less two on two at the back and tried to get a goal to get us back in the game.

We were starting to get crosses into the box and the prescience of Spike up there was worrying them as he was winning his fair share of headers - but, the ball just wouldn't bounce our way and it seemed as if we were heading out.

Then, however, just as the clock had hit 90 minutes we got one back.

Gavin drilled in a corner to the back post, Spike kept the ball alive and caused havoc inside their six yard box. Kitten showed great reaction and determination to get to the loose ball and poked it into the net.

2-1 down and only stoppage time to play, with the home side clearly rattled.

We had a couple of half chances that we were unable to convert and thought our chance had gone.

Then, in the final minute we won another corner, knew it was our last chance and everyone except Pies was in their box waiting for Gavin to swing the ball in.

Kitten tips it on for a late chance

It was another great delivery from him and it was met by Spike at the back post and he bulleted his header into the top corner for a goal his performance deserved and sparked jubilant scenes amongst the travelling support on the sidelines.

There was barely enough time for them to restart the game from the centre before the ref blew his whistle to signal the end of the game.

In the end it was a tremendous result to come back from two goals so late in the game to get the draw and force the replay.

We needed to score when on top and although never, it was extremely disappointing to react the way we did when we went one down. Showed great character to keep going though and level the score and hopefully we can do enough to win the replay at Recreation Park on Saturday.

It was a shame that the facilities are so poor because the lads involved in their team are all good guys but they have to do something about their changing rooms but they laid on a good spread for us back at the hotel before going on our way.

We had a thoroughly enjoyable bus trip up the road, capped by Marie Falconer (who had earlier in the day kindly donated half of her bingo winnings to club funds) standing at the front of the bus and giving a speech of how pleased she was to have made the trip down to Skye and how proud she was of all the players for putting such a huge effort into keeping alive our interest in the Highland Cup. A rousing speech and one that made everyone realise what playing for Halkirk means to people.

Hopefully we can keep the feel good factor going at the weekend and get a win in the replay to progress into the quarter finals.

Go Wildcat's!!

report provided by Liam Bremner

The cross comes over...

...Spike spins and gets his head to it...

...and the ball is in the back of the net for a very late equaliser.

Crispy and Stan jump for joy as the team celebrate in the background but the Sleat & Strath side are left wondering how they never held on for a win.

The travelling support and players are elated as the final whistle blows.

Spike gets tugged to the ground but Sleat escape a penalty.

Spike just heads over.

Half time chat by the manager to get the team going.

Sleat & Strath discuss tactics to try and end the match.

Comfortable clearance for steady Sleat centre half.

Halkirk supporters look on.

The disastrous changing facilities did no favours to a decent home side. No toilets, showers and most of the team decided to change outside!!! Good job the weather was good.....!!!!!

The supporters look on before kick-off.

Not sure what to say but was worth a snap!

A nice view of the scenery from pitch side.

End-of-Document

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