Date:- 16/05/2008
Time:- 14:24:33
Time:- 14:24:33
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 HFC Leagues, Results & Reports - Season 2006
ALL reports are being compiled by Liam Bremner Dinner Dance & Player of the Year Awards
Dinner Dance photographs taken by Neil Mackay, HFC manager
Steven Cup - Quarter Final - 14/08/06 Unfortunately our interest in the Steven Cup has only lasted one game this season as we suffer defeat against our closest rivals. Once again, it was a squad short of several regulars and it was always going to be tough against a very strong Pentland side. The home side had the better of the opening 45 minutes, we did contain them until well after the half hour but unfortunately they scored two quickfire goals to go in at the break with a two goal advantage. Half Time 2 - 0 We started the second half positively and began to create quite a few chances but once again we were unable to convert any and time started to run out. We fell further behind after a counter attack following a corner kick. As we pushed for a goal to get back in the tie we left ourselves short at the back and when the set piece was cleared, the home team broke at pace and scored their third. They soon made it four as our heads began to drop. We got a lift though as we got one back following a terrific shot by Spike from the edge of the box. Time was against us however and although we maybe had enough chances to get level, we could only get on the scoresheet one more time and again it was Spike, revelling in his forward role, who got the goal. He pounced on a loose ball six yards out and found the bottom corner to give the scoreline a much fairer appearance. A disappointing end to the season but another good performance and one we can take a lot out of as once again the young boys played admirably. It has been a good season, and with a little bit of luck we might even have got some silverware but at the end of the day, promotion was the main objective and that was achieved comfortably. A winter of hard work now lies ahead as we all look to get fit and prepare for the season ahead back where we belong in the First Division. Go Wildcat's!!
League Division 2 - 09/08/06 The Wildcat's finished off their league campaign with yet another three points after a fine victory in a match played in terrible conditions. Player unavailability again left the squad looking a little short but all the young boys who came into the fray played well and made significant contributions to the win. Crispy won the toss and took the advantage of a strong wind to ensure that it would be very difficult for the visitors to get forward at all in the first half. The conditions and also our good football meant the whole of the opening period was played mainly in their half. Although we started strongly and had a few chances, it took a fluke to get us on our way. For the third time this season, a cross from Russell Bain found it's way into the top corner. This got us going and the lead soon increased. Young Mutt was next to score with a fine header after a cross from Shane and Muttley then made it three with a fine goalscorer's finish. Next up was a well deserved goal from Paul Mackay with a close range effort following a corner. It was five just before half time when Johnnie netted from 6 yards out. Half Time 5 - 0 Playing into the wind in the second half was going to be difficult but we actually increased our lead and it was that boy Muttley again. At long last he has discovered his scoring touch and he notched the sixth for a fine hat-trick. The lead was increased to seven as Alexander 'Neen' Banks, who was making his Halkirk debut showed he has an eye for goal by getting on the score sheet. The visitors kept plugging away and got a couple back before Shane got in on the scoring action by getting goal number 8. The scoring was completed when Lybster scored again. Nige then introduced another product of the youth system into the action as Matthew Mackay got his competitive debut but he wasn't left with much time to make an impact. Another fine victory for the Red and Blacks and one that goes to prove that our future is looking good with so many good performances from some fine young players. That's the league campaign completed with only one defeat against us, and although the competition wasn't as strong as in recent years, we have still performed well throughout the season. It's on now to the Steven Cup and a chance to finish our stay in the Second Division with victory in a competition that has been good to us over the last few years. Go Wildcat's!!
League Division 2 - 07/08/06 Another three points for the Wildcat's with a win that should've been more convincing but was good enough. Injuries, suspensions and player unavailability again left the squad looking short with Gunny taking over in goal in place of the suspended Poop. Any one of us could've gone between the sticks however as the visiting side struggled to trouble us and only threatened when they were presented with chances following our complacent play. We did start the game well, dominated possession from the off and it was really a question of how many. By half time, it was only two as we scored two good goals midway through the half. The first came from Stevie Campbell with a rocket shot from 20 yards following a good run and the lead was doubled by Johnnie after he was played in by Riddell. We were denied a third in the first period when a shot by Russell hit the bar and bounced over the line before coming back out but unfortunately the ref wasn't in a position to confirm the ball was over so he waved play on. Half Time 2 - 0 The second half was the same as the first with it being a question of how many we could score. We made hard work of it though and took a while to break down a stuffy defence. We did finally get a third when some good play by young sub Muttley got him clear down the right and he picked out Johnnie, who made no mistake from 6 yards. We continued to press but couldn't add to our tally and the scoring was completed when FSC capitalised on some slack play at the back to get a one on one with Gunny and spoil his hopes of a clean sheet. Another good solid win for us but unfortunately not enough to keep our league winning hopes alive as Pentlands won in Lybster to secure the championship. We are still up though, promotion was the aim at the start of the season and that objective was achieved easily. Go Wildcat's!!
DA Shield Semi Final - 31/07/06 After a good effort, our run in the David Allan Shield was ended by the team sitting second top of the first division. On the night, it was a poor performance by us and there was no question that the better side over the 90 minutes progressed to the final. On a good night for football, it was a shame that the condition of the pitch meant that it was almost impossible to play decent football as a combination of a hard, bumpy surface with several holes, long grass and to top it all a touchline that was as straight as George Michael meant a county cup semi final was played on a surface that wasn't fit for sheep being on. It was the same for both sides however and JOG definitely made the better of it. The first half was a very even contest with neither side really on top although the home side did have the better of the chances. We did threaten before the break and Charlie was unlucky after a solo run saw his shot saved by the home keeper. Half Time 0 - 0 We fell behind early in the second period after a bit of a defensive mistake and were two down before the hour. We tried to get back into it but didn't really create any chances and any hopes we had of a comeback were ended when Duck got his second yellow of the night after a late tackle and he went for an early bath. After the dismissal there was no chance and the home side made it three late on. A disappointing defeat after doing so well in this competition but it was a tough game against a good side who could easily go on and win it now. It was just too much for the squad with injuries and holidays denying us the services of important players. We can still be proud of our run to the semi-final and shouldn't let this defeat take the gloss of our promotion winning season. We would like to wish John O'Groats all the best as they attempt to win their first county trophy. Go Wildcat's!!
League Division 2 - 27/07/06 Another single goal victory at the Dammies over the Pentlands, this one avenging the league defeat we suffered at home earlier in the season. It did come at a cost however, as we lost Lockie to a serious ankle injury. Although it was such a big game injuries and other commitments meant we were five squad members down but we still had a strong team to give the hosts a game. They knew that if they beat us they would be the second division champions and they had the better of the opening exchanges although they didn't really create any chances. The first half was quite even with the hosts enjoying the majority of the possession, with us looking to hit on the break. We did have a couple of good chances with long range efforts but it took a really good save from Poop almost on half time to keep the score level at the interval. Half Time 0 - 0 The second half started out similar to the first although we were starting to work our way into the game, gain more possession and enjoy more pressure. Nige made a change early in the half when he replaced young Kitten (who had played really well) with the returning Sanny Campbell who came back into the fold to help out as we were short of numbers. This proved an inspired substitution as Sanny was lively, buzzing and played a crucial part as we took the lead. He went on a run down the right, beat his man and flighted a cross to the near post which was met by Johnnie who looped a wonderful header over the keeper and into the back of the net. This goal gave us a lift and we continued to enjoy the better of the play but then the home side gradually started to get back into it and put us under more pressure but the defence was solid and Poop was having a great game with a few crucial saves. We lost Spike to injury with about 15 minutes left and then almost immediately Lockie, who was having a stormer in the middle of the park, went down with no-one near him and had to be carried of with a serious looking ankle injury. We remained quite solid for the rest of the game and although they had another couple of chances which were denied by Poop, we could have increased our lead further as Johnnie had a two good opportunities to score as we attacked on the break. There was no further scoring however, and the game ended with a victory for us and the Pentlands tasting league defeat for the first time this season. A great win again for the Wildcat's and another excellent battling performance with plenty effort and commitment. We're not 100% sure how this will affect the league title race but we will need to win our two remaining games and see what happens after that. It is on now to John O'Groats for the David Allan Shield Semi Final, another massive game but at the moment it looks as if it's going to be a struggle to get eleven men on the park with the injury situation looking worse and a couple of guys going on holiday. We all wish Lockie a speedy recovery and hope he is fit and well again soon. Go Wildcat's!!
DA Shield Quarter Final - 24/07/06
The Wildcat's progress following a tremendous victory against our first division opponents who could not argue over the outcome of a match in which we all played extremely well in. Having knocked out the Acks in the previous round the Swifts tails were up and their confidence was high so we knew we needed a good start and that's exactly what we got as we were two goals up inside the first 15 minutes. The first goal came after the home defence misjudged a long ball and Charlie picked it up before superbly despatching a volley into the top corner. The advantage was soon doubled and once again Charles was involved. He played a high ball up to Shane and Young Sexy showed great awareness to head the ball down into the path of the rampaging Stevie Campbell and he burst through a challenge to get just inside the box from where he unleashed a powerful shot into the bottom corner. With such a great start and a two goal cushion, we then took our foot of the pedal and let the home side back into it as our workrate and effort dropped. This gave them some hope and they got a further boost when they got a goal back. A corner was flighted to the back post and as Poop came out to challenge he got stuck in bodies and couldn't get near it which left their centre half with a header into an empty net. We regrouped after this and kept things tight to get in at the interval with our lead intact. Half Time 1 - 2 We lost Charlie to a hamstring strain at the break but Johnnie Mackay came on to replace him and put in a great shift. We restored our two goal lead 5 minutes into the second half with another superb goal. Shane got a run on their defence but just when he was shaping to shoot he was chopped down for a free kick on the edge of the box. As he required treatment from the challenge, Young Sexy had to leave the park and therefore couldn't take the set piece which was made for a left footer. This didn't matter however, as the responsibility fell to Lockie and he curled a supreme effort into the postage stamp which left the keeper rooted to the spot. This goal knocked the stuffing out the Swifts and although they had a share of the possession, they could not really penetrate our defence and they were restricted to the odd corner. Two goals in the last five minutes put a real shine on the final score. The first came following a long flighted free kick from Crispy, Tarpot leapt like the salmon to flick it on to leave Gunny with a one on one with the keeper and he made no mistake to make it four. It was five straight after the restart as Russell and Stevie put their midfield under pressure to win the ball back and Stevie skipped past a couple of defenders to score with another unstoppable right foot shot to get his second of the night. The goals tally could have been six as Crispy made a fantastic break from the back but his run was cut short when the ref blew for full time just when the skipper was in full flow and looking to get on the scoresheet himself. A fantastic performance from everyone in a red and black shirt. All the guys that started and the three subs that came on all played with a terrific level of commitment and it was not matched by the home team and they had no complaints as they were defeated by the better team. We need to maintain this level of performance and continue to put in the effort showed for the remainder of the season, especially with our next two matches the league game against the Pentlands and the semi final in the David Allan Shield. Go Wildcat's!!
League Division 2 - 21/07/06 Another three points to keep us in the hunt for the title, as we claimed a victory that should have been by a bigger margin. A slightly different team from the one that beat the Pentlands lined up as there were one or two guys unavailable but we still coped reasonably well and were never in any danger. We started the game ok and it was only a matter of time before we took the lead and we did so when some great play by Spike teed up Charlie at the back post and he buried the ball past the keeper from just inside the six yard box. We kept the pressure on and when TJ's struggled to clear a corner, Stevie Campbell had a chance but before he could get a shot away, he was pulled down by the keeper for a penalty. Spike made an expert job of taking the spot kick as he found the top corner. It was soon three as we scored a good goal on the break, Charlie was set clear and he found his strike partner Johnnie Mackay (who has returned to the Wildcat's for the remainder of the season) and he unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box to beat the keeper. Half Time 3 - 0 The second period continued in the same vein as the first and it was really a question of how many we would score. We didn't score too many though as we wasted several opportunities to score although the visiting keeper did have some good saves. The biggest howler in front of goal came from Duck who wasted a great opportunity to get his first goal of the season. He was involved in a great passing move from his own half involving the two young subs Paul and Liam Mackay and when Kitten released him for a one on one with the keeper he got caught in two minds and shot tamely at the keeper. This set the tone for the rest of the game as chances came and went. We did get one more however, when Kitten turned the clock back 20 years to score a goal his dad would have been proud of - his cross from wide out on the right deceived the keeper and went in at the near post. A good, if not great performance but it's another win and another three points in the bag. The main plus point of the game was the second half performance of the subs - Paul, Liam and Hamish Coghill who all showed up well. It's back now to David Allan shield duty on Monday night for a big game against the Swifts. Go Wildcat's!!
David Allan Shield 1 - 17/07/06 The Wildcat's progress to the quarter finals of the David Allan Shield with a fine win against our main rivals in the second division. With almost a full squad to choose from, we knew there was a chance if we could put in plenty effort and hard work. This proved to be the case as we were the stronger side for the majority of the 90 minutes. After starting quite well but although we had plenty of the ball we weren't really creating many chances. We kept on top though and soon went close with a couple of efforts from the returning Stevie Campbell. We thought we had taken the lead when Spike rose well to get his head to corner kick and find the back of the net but he was harshly adjudged to have fouled the keeper. We kept up the pressure until the break with some more half chances falling to Stevie and Crispy was unlucky with a chance after a great break from defence. Half Time 0 - 0 We were very sluggish at the start of the second period and were fortunate
that the home team didn't really put us under too much pressure. We gradually
worked our way back into it and the game turned into a good end to end contest
although it was still us doing most of the pressing and A great performance and result for the Red & Black's against the only team that has really outplayed us so this season. We gained a little bit of revenge for the heavy home league defeat but we have to maintain the level of performance to beat them again in the return league match next week and whoever we play in the next round of the DA Shield. Go Wildcat's!!
League Division 2 - 05/07/06 Our promotion has been secured as this win gives us the three points needed to confirm our return to the first division. We left Halkirk with the sunshine beating down, but by the time we got to Keiss we could hardly see anything due to the heavy fog. This fog and some long grass on the sloping pitch down there meant it was not going to be an easy night and that proved to be the case. We were a little bit sluggish at the start and the home team had the better of the early exchanges as their young players were putting in an energetic performance with plenty effort. We gradually worked our way into the game though and started to create some chances of our own and the first period developed into an even match. Just when it was looking like we were going in level at the break, we made the breakthrough just on half time. Crispy flighted a free kick into the box from the halfway line and Luke beat the keeper to the ball to find Shane 12 yards out and he found the top corner with a great shot. Half Time 0 - 1 Although we were winning, we knew the game wasn't done and we had work to do to put the game out of sight. It was an improved performance in the second half and we missed a hatful of chances that could have put us on easy street, although Lockie was unlucky to see his pile driver from the edge of the box strike the underside of the bar and bounce to safety. We did double the lead though when Shane chased a long ball from Crispy and he just kept it in on the bye-line, before beating a defender and beating the keeper at his near post from a very tight angle. That was the game almost wrapped up but with fifteen minutes left we let them back in it. Poop was penalised for fouling an attacker in the box to give away a penalty and then showed dissent towards the ref which resulted in the goalie seeing red and reducing us to ten men. Gunny took over between the sticks but his first task was to pick the ball out of then net as the taker sent him the wrong way. We weren't exactly hanging on though for the last period as we soaked up their pressure well and really should have increased our lead further as we continued to miss chances. We did finally make the game safe as we scored with what proved to be the last kick of the ball and once again it was that boy Shane who did the damage. He broke through a couple of challenges on the halfway line to leave himself with a one-on-one against the keeper and he kept his cool to slot the ball in the bottom corner. The referee immediately blew his whistle to end the match and confirm our return to the Caithness top flight. A good win for the Wildcat's as Keiss is never an easy place to go and the conditions were not helpful. After a slow start we did play well and ran out deserved winners. It feels great to have finally secured promotion after a few failed attempts, but we need to try and keep going to the end of the season and catch the Pentlands to go up as champions, if we can. Go Wildcat's!!
League Division 2 - 26/06/06 Another three points for the Wildcat's in our quest for promotion. After the disappointing performance against Mid County, this was a much improved display and the result was never in doubt. With the Recreation Park looking really well and the sun shining, this was a perfect night for playing good football and this is what we did right from the off. We passed the ball about, everyone seemed confident in possession and we created chances. It wasn't long before we had the lead when Charlie set up Luke and he tucked the ball away into the bottom corner. Charlie was involved again in the second, when he refused to give up on a long through ball from Duck and he cut the ball back to Russell who lobbed the keeper to make it two. We went in at the break three up after Charlie got the goal his first half display deserved, capitalising on a defensive mix up to net with a powerful left foot shot. Half Time 3 - 0 The second half was played in much the same manner as we continued to dominate the play. We made it four when Shane cut along the bye line, and with everyone expecting a cut back, he beat the keeper at his front post. The goal of the night made it five. A loose ball from a corner kick fell to Crispy, and the captain made no mistake as he unleashed a left foot rocket high into the roof of the net. It was six soon after as Charlie tried his luck from distance and the keeper was unable to deal with the power of his effort and it found the net. Another defender then got on the scoresheet, this time it was Spike with a very well taken spot kick after Shane was felled in the box. The scoring was completed late on, when Shane flicked on a long ball into the path of Charlie and he took his chance to complete his hat-trick. A much better display from everyone, as we played some decent football for most of the game and the scoreline did not flatter us at all. We need to keep up this level of performance for the remainder of the season though. Go Wildcat's!!
League Division 2 - 23/06/06
League Division 2 - 19/06/06 Another three points in the bag, although they were hard to come by after a battling performance by MC. With the game late in starting due to the poor preparation of the home side, we were lethargic at the start and continued in that vein for most of the match really. We still could've been two up early though as we came close from corner kicks. We continued to miss chances and the home side were starting to create one or two of their own. We did take the lead though, when the best passage of passing team play led to Russell getting clear down the left flank and his cross deceived the keeper and flew in the top corner. Our lead didn't last long though as Foxy was left unmarked to lob Poop from the edge of the box. We went in at the interval with no further scoring. Half Time 1 - 1 The second half was played in much the same manner as the first, with us very much on top but our poor decision making in crucial positions meant we didn't really create too many clear cut chances and when we did we failed to take them with players intent on trying to burst the net and only succeeding in blazing the ball wide or over. Just when it was looking like we weren't going to score, an inspired substitution by Nige got us the breakthrough. He put on Shane for Russell and his first involvement was to get on the end of Smik's cross and turn it past the keeper. Our lead was short lived again though, this time Duck let Foxy get the better of him at a free kick and he scored with a fine finish. This left us with fifteen minutes to get a winner and we had the majority of possession for the rest of the game but again the final ball or decision making left a lot to be desired. Just when it was looking like we were dropping two points we got the winner. It's almost twenty years since Diego Maradona scored his wonder goal against England in the Mexico World Cup, and Shane marked the anniversary with an almost carbon copy! He picked the ball up about the halfway line before skipping past three cynical attempts to take him down and keeping his cool to slot the ball past the keeper - brilliant!! The home team did have one last chance to get level from a set piece but headed wide. Not a good performance, with chances missed, poor defending, tackles not won, lack of communication and wrong decisions made. At times though we did pass the ball well and played some good stuff and to be fair we had enough chances to have won three games. We got the three points which was the main thing and keep the promotion race on track. Go Wildcat's!!
League Division 2 - 14/06/06
Highland Amateur Cup Rnd 3 - 10/06/06
Our 2006 Highland campaign has ended after a defeat which many people had predicted but we put up a brave fight and with a little bit of luck things could have been different. After the best part of three hours on a bus, I suppose, it was inevitable that we would start slowly and this proved to be the case when we fell behind after 10 minutes. Poop then had a couple of good saves before we settled and started to cause the home team some problems. We should've gone in at half time at least level and maybe even leading as we were the better side for the majority of the first period, with Luke and Charlie's pace causing their defence problems and the returning Steven Campbell's direct running a major attacking asset. We went close on several occasions but didn't get the lucky break in front of goal and went in at the break trailing by that early goal. Half Time 1 - 0 We started the second half quite well and were looking dangerous, again, when Avoch doubled their lead with a goal which knocked the stuffing out of us. At 2 down we knew we had a mountain to climb, and the journey down and extremely warm conditions started to take it's toll. We were under the cosh for the remainder of the game but Poop put in a great performance and was only beaten once more from an offside looking goal. A disappointing defeat but one we can take a lot of positives from. This Avoch team were losing finalists last year and expected to do well again this season. We had them on the back foot and rattled for most of the first half but in the end we fell just short. Go Wildcat's!!
League Division 2 - 05/06/06 Another three league points for the Wildcat's as we put our disappointing cup performance behind us with a comfortable victory which should have been a lot more comprehensive. With Alan Young injured and Charlie suspended, Gunny and Luke came back into the team for the first time in a couple of weeks and Paul Kitten also got a start. After an initial slow start, we soon got on top and started to pass the ball about in bursts and looked very threatening with the direct running of Luke and Shane up front. After a couple of missed one-on-one chances Luke gave us the lead when he tapped into an empty net from 5 yards after a great run from Shane. We continued to dominate proceedings and got the chance to increase our lead from the penalty spot after Kitten was felled after some determined play. The score remained the same however, as Blocksy saw his shot hit the crossbar. We had another chance from the spot within a couple of minutes after Shane was downed in the box. This time Spike came up from the back to take the kick and, unbelievably, he missed as well. His effort was saved by the keeper but he followed his shot in and he buried the rebound. We remained untroubled for the rest of the half but were unable to increase our lead before the break. Half Time 0 - 2 The second period was very much the same as the first half with all the good chances falling to us and the home side rarely threatened from set pieces. The few corners they did get were expertly dealt with by Poop, whose handling was superb all night. We had various opportunities to increase our lead with Luke denied when through, Shane hitting a post, Pockets unlucky with a long range effort and a header. We did make it three when Luke repaid the compliment to his strike partner when he ran down the line and crossed for Shane to net with a cool finish from just inside the six yard box. The game then ended on a slightly sour note when Blocksy was the victim of 'GBH' from an absolutely shocking tackle from one of their subs who quite rightly saw red. After being down for a while and some concern of the seriousness of the injury he was able to hobble to the dressing room to the relief of those who were fearing a broken leg. We then had a few more chances with Rusty through one-on-one and then unlucky with a long range volley which struck Riddle and went wide and Pockets had a header just over. That took us to the 90 minute mark and a deserved victory. A good win in a fixture which we have struggled in this past two seasons. The result was never really in doubt once we got the first goal as the home defence couldn't cope with Luke and Shane who were tremendous, as was Kitten who had a great game. This sets us up for the really difficult trip to the Black Isle to play Avoch on Saturday in the HA Cup and as well as the injury to Blocks, Spike also hobbled off hurt so hopefully both lads will be fit to take their place in the starting line up against one of the favourites for the competition. Go Wildcat's!!
Eoin Mackintosh Cup - 1st Round -
30/05/06 Our interest in Maca's cup has ended for another season with a defeat that is quite hard to take in. Again, we started the match positively and were playing some good stuff early doors before taking the lead through a fine volley from Shane. This goal seemed to have an adverse effect on us rather than the home team as they came flying at us and we fell to pieces. We were at sixes and sevens for the last 15 minutes of the first half and in that time we conceded four goals and any chance we did create, we failed to convert. Half Time 4 - 1 After a half time reshuffle, we knew an early goal would give us hope as we were trailing to a poor side and it was just a bad spell that had seen us fall behind. We got one back five minutes into the second half when a loose ball in the box fell to Shane and he kept cool before sliding the ball past the keeper. This gave us plenty of time to get back on level terms or even win the game, but although we had the majority of the possession the ball wouldn't really run for us and we couldn't take our chances. A very disappointing defeat in a cup that means so much to everyone at Halkirk Football Club, but we just have to forget about it and get back to winning ways in the league in the next match. Go Wildcat's!!
League Division 2 - 24/05/06 Another three points for the Wildcat's thanks to a good win but a not so good performance. After two tough games on Saturday and Monday, this was always going to be a difficult fixture and we did make hard work of it. Once again we started the game positively and once again it was that man Pockets who gave us a second minute lead. His in-swinging free kick deceiving the defence and the goalkeeper and sailing straight into the bottom corner. Our lead was short lived however, and the home side were back level almost immediately. It was very similar to our goal as a free kick from distance somehow managed to find the net. Both teams were struggling to play any decent football and it was a poor game for the spectators to watch but we gradually started to improve. We regained the lead midway through the half when good play set Rusty away wide right and he crossed for Blocksy to score with a fine header. With a slight wind advantage favouring us, we continued to have more of the possession and created some opportunities with Lockie particularly unlucky with a long range free kick that the keeper tipped over. We did increase our lead before the interval though, Pockets kept the ball in the danger area from a corner kick and Charlie showed a fine poachers instinct to net form inside the six yard box. Half Time 1 - 3 Although we were 3 - 1 up, we were playing poorly and our performance level was very flat and this continued in the second period. The game was quite even though as both teams had chances. Poop had a couple of good saves and Duck cleared a goal bound effort of the line following a corner. We then went close ourselves with Spike unlucky to hit the bar with a header and Riddle just struggling to control a cross when he was in on goal. Then with 5 minutes left, we gave them a lifeline with not one, but two defensive mix-ups to let them back into the game at 3 - 2. We soon put the game back out of reach however when Crispy played a fine through ball to Charlie and he expertly despatched a 20 yard left foot volley past the keeper. We held on for the remaining few minutes without any further scares and claimed a good win. Not a very good performance from anyone really in a red and black shirt, but this was a tough away fixture after two very physical games in the cups. This was obvious in our performance as we were flat, lethargic and very tired looking. We battled away though and managed to do enough to get back to winning ways in the league against a team who will be one of our main promotion rivals. Go Wildcat's!!
Eoin Mackintosh Cup - Preliminary Round -
22/05/06 The Wildcat's progress into the first round proper of Maca's Cup with a good win against the team currently second in the first division. For the first time this season we actually did what Nige told us in the dressing room before the game and we started the game with a good tempo right from the first whistle. We were playing into a strong wind and sun but this didn't affect us at all and we took an early lead with a goal inside two minutes. Some good build up play involving Blocks and Duck saw a loose ball break on the edge of the box and Pockets took the opportunity to find the postage stamp from 20 yards. We continued to play the better football although the home side were still a danger on the counter attack. We then doubled our advantage around the half hour mark and again Blocksy was involved. His pass down the inside right channel found Charlie running through and he bettered Pockets effort with a volley from a difficult angle. We managed to get to the break with our two goal advantage intact, with Poop continuing his recent good form with a fine save from a free kick. The second half started with the home side putting us under pressure but we almost put the game out of reach when Shane twice got through on goal but unfortunately both chances fell to his slightly weaker right foot and he dragged his efforts wide. The remainder of the second period saw the home team have most of the ball but they never really threatened our goal, with the best they could do was force corner kicks which we defended well and the one time they did come close Poop again saved well from a free kick. With the upset on the cards, tempers began getting frayed in the JOG side and the match got physical but we coped well and held out for a deserved victory. A great team performance from the boys in Red and Black with everybody putting in a great shift. John O'Groats is a tough place to go with a tricky pitch, especially so soon after the HA game on Saturday but we all put in a great effort to earn our place in the next round. Go Wildcat's!!
Highland Amateur Cup Rnd 2 - 20/05/06
The Wildcat's progressed to the next round of the Highland Amateur Cup after a hard fought home win against the Sutherland outfit. The players observed a minutes silence prior to the game in respect of Harry Windsor who passed away, to acknowledge the years of service he had given to the Highland Amateur Cup. When the action did get underway, it was the visitors who had the better of the early exchanges and it looked as though we could be in for an early exit from the competition. We did settle down though and were able to ease our way into the contest as we began to see more of the ball. We then took the lead following a good move which led to Blocks releasing Russell Bain and he looked up to see the keeper of his line before expertly(?) lobbing him from 25 yards. The lead was relatively short lived however, as the away side were awarded a very soft penalty, which they converted, when Spike was harshly penalised for a good tackle. The rest of the first period was quite even although tempers began getting frayed and there was a bit of ill-feeling creeping between the two teams. Half Time 1 - 1 The second half started quite evenly, but it was us who came closest to breaking the deadlock, when a good run by Luke saw him get free in the box and his shot hit the crossbar and the rebound fell to Charlie but he couldn't get the ball under control quickly enough and the keeper blocked his effort. Stafford then began to have the best of it but although they had the most of the possession, they never really created any clear cut chances. The closest they came was from a long range shot which Poop did well to turn round the post. Just as it was looking like we were heading south for a replay, we got a second wind and put the visitors under pressure with a series of corner kicks, the last of which saw us score what proved to be the winner. The keeper was unable to cope with the delivery from Shane and the ball landed to Pockets little more than a yard out. He still had a bit to do though, and he notched the winner by forcing the ball home with his chest. There was very little time left after that and we held on too book our place in the next round. A great battling performance from the team in what was a tough battle and quite a physical team. A good win against a good team who had a great travelling support with them who were vocal from start to finish. We now await the draw for the next round. Go Wildcat's!!
League Division 2 - 16/05/06 The Wildcat's tasted defeat for the first time this season in a match against our main promotion rivals - which in truth, they deserved to win. A relatively even first half saw us go in at the break one down after they took a very early lead. There was no goalmouth activity at all with the game being a bit 'stop start' with plenty of whistle blowing by the ref (although not always for the correct decision). Half Time 0 - 1 We started the second 45 a lot better and were well on top but couldn't really create any clear cut chances. Then, against the run of play they scored a breakaway goal to give us a mountain to climb. As we continued to chase the game, they increased their lead by scoring a third which gave the scoreline a slightly flattering look. A bad night was topped off when Charlie saw red for a second booking. A poor team performance in such a big game was very disappointing but we have to put it behind us and get ourselves up for another 3 big games in the coming week, starting with the Highland Cup on Saturday.
League Division 2 - 08/05/06 Another three points for the Wildcat's, but this win came courtesy of a performance vastly improved from our last match against Keiss. After a slightly sluggish start, we got into the game and started to dominate possession and create some good chances. It took us to almost the half hour mark before we took the lead when Charlie did well to put the home defence under pressure and was able to capitalise on a mistake himself and net with a fine finish. We continued to attack for the remainder of the half and doubled our lead before the break. A long through ball from Duck was controlled by Charlie and he did well to find Luke running through and he expertly lobbed the keeper. Half Time 0 - 2 We started the second period positively as we went in search of more goals and it wasn't long before we extended our lead. Shane left two or three defenders trailing with a superb down the left wing and he sent over a great cross which was met by the head of Paul Kitten who scored with a fine looping header. Shane got his reward for his assist when he notched the fourth, meeting a through ball just before the keeper and steering it into the bottom corner. This was not the end of the scoring though as Charlie extended his lead at the top of the goalscoring charts with a real poachers finish after good work from substitute Pockets. We continued to dominate the rest of the game but failed to convert any more chances although Duck was unlucky with a long range effort which went just over the bar. A good win for the Wildcat's but more importantly a much better performance on what was again a tricky Ormlie surface. This sets us up nicely for a very busy and important upcoming period starting with a top of the table clash against the Pentlands next week. Go Wildcat's!!
League Division 2 - 03/05/06 Another three points for the Wildcat's, but a far from convincing a display against a young Keiss team with some talented players. The game was a struggle from start to finish, with a poor surface on Recreation Park not really helping our passing game. The main problem though, was that too many of us turned up expecting the three points to be handed to us without too much of an effort. We were sluggish from the start and were slow to make an impact against the visitors, but we did go in front about 20 minutes in when some good build up play from Lockie and Russell gave Charlie a chance from the edge of the box and he found the bottom corner with a good finish. Keiss were soon back on level terms though, when a defensive mix-up let in their striker for a tap in. Just when it was looking like we would go in level at the break, Charlie had a good shot saved but Luke showed a great poachers instinct to net the rebound. Half Time 2 - 1 Some strong dressing room words at half time should have led to an improved performance in the second period, and while it was slightly better, it was still a long way short of what we are capable of. We did increase the lead by the hour mark when a good solo run by Luke finished with him scoring with a great strike from just outside the box. The rest of the game was quite even with both teams having periods of pressure but no real chances were created at either end. The only good thing that can be said about this performance is that we battled away and got the three points, although this will have to be a wake up call to us as we must realise that we have to go into games with the right attitude and realise that we have no divine right to win football matches. Pass marks for Spike, Lockie, Luke and young Mutt who came off the bench and showed up well - and a night to forget for the rest of us! Go Wildcat's!!
League Division 2 - 24/04/06 The Wildcat's notch up another three points with a comprehensive victory on their first away trip of the season. As this match was against the newly relegated Ashes, we were expecting a tough contest and the windy conditions and poor surface of the pitch certainly didn't help. It did take us a while to settle with our host putting us under early pressure although they didn't really worry Poop too much. We slowly but surely settled down and started to pose more of an attacking threat with Luke and Charlie a constant threat. We took the lead midway through the first half when Gunny did well to keep a corner from Charlie in the danger area and Spike showed great desire to jump and glance a header into the top corner. This helped to settle us down and it wasn't long before we doubled our advantage when Shane refused to give up on a Blocksy through ball and when the keeper mis-judged it, he was able to nod the ball into an empty net. We were then able to see the rest of the first period out without any major incident. Half Time - Ashes 0 - 2 Halkirk We made a much better start to the second 45 and soon had the three points secured. First up, was Russell to make it three with a cool finish and then Charlie got a deserved goal when he took a pass from Lockie, beat two challenges and his shot had too much power for the keeper to keep out. The manager then made a few changes with Paul 'Kitten' Mackay, Jock and newcomer Stuart 'Pockets' Gray getting a run out. These changes soon had an impact when good work from Pockets released Kitten and he got on the scoresheet with a good finish. The scoring was completed when Charlie scored a fantastic 25 yard left foot volley. A great win for the boys in what could've proved a tricky fixture. After a slightly dodgy start, there was only ever going to be one winner with everyone in red and black putting in a solid performance. Luke and Charlie lead the line well and always posed a threat, Kitten came off the bench and played really well and Poop put in a really commanding performance with some good saves and safe hands coming for cross balls. Keep up the good work lads. Go Wildcat's!!
League Division 2 - 19/04/06 The Wildcat's 2006 league campaign got of to a goal crazy start as we hit a dozen past Mid County. The Recreation Park was very soft, wet in places and the surface was quite heavy but apart from a ten minute spell midway through the first half, this was a very satisfactory performance. We started positively and tried to pass the ball around the park and created a couple of early half chances before taking the lead just after the ten minute mark. A terrific free kick from young Sexy beat the keeper, but came back of the post into the path of Blocks who kept cool to convert the rebound. It wasn't long before we had trebled our lead with a quickfire brace from Charlie. The 3 goal advantage was soon reduced however as we got complacent and allowed MC to get two goals back on us just after the half hour. We settled down again though, and normal service was resumed with Luke helping himself to two fine goals. Half Time - Halkirk 5 - 2 Mid County We continued the positive, direct approach right from the re-start but we missed numerous chances before finally increasing our advantage with Luke and Charlie both completing their hat-tricks, Shane Sexy getting a deserved goal, Russell Bain getting one and Lockie scored with a fine finish. MC kept battling away and they scored their third of the night to close the gap slightly, but we kept the pressure on and Shane got another before a slightly offside looking Gunny completed the scoring. With all the rain of the past month and resulting inactivity meaning we haven't even played a friendly this was quite an unbelievable scoreline and a great way to begin our league campaign. All the guys played really well, with newcomer Graeme Robertson showing up well with Shane and Luke running the opposing defence ragged. Paul 'Kitten' Mackay came off the bench and put in a solid performance, but the starman was Spike who was outstanding in his new central defensive role. Go Wildcat's!!
Pre-Season - 16/04/06 The Halkirk manager has decided to go with a fully functional Halkirk known squad with a group of youngsters to play a major part in the proceedings this season - backed by a few experienced personnel to handle the control of the formation. How will things work out??? Well, you can find out by logging in to this page for all reports, results and pictures. End-of-Document | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
