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

SWL Cup Quarter Final - 13/12/08
Halkirk United 5 - 0 Bonar Bridge

(photo by jamesgunn.co.uk)

Striker Sandy Sutherland continued his hot streak on Saturday as he bagged a hat-trick to help his side ease into the last four of the SWL Cup.

Six of his season's tally of seven have come in the last three North Caley games to help the Anglers reduce their over-reliance on leading marksman Mark Nichol.

Nichol and Alan Sinclair also scored on Saturday as Bonar's challenge was swept away long before half-time.

The Sutherland side travelled north buoyed by three wins on the bounce.  But their upbeat mood was soon deflated as they found themselves three down within quarter-of-an-hour and in danger of being on the end of a real pummelling.

That the scoreline failed to reflect the extent of United's dominance and goal threat was largely down to the valiant efforts of visiting keeper David Crombie.

Time and again, the Tain-based stopper came to his side's rescue after his side's outfield defence was outwitted, outmanoeuvred and outflanked.

He was powerless to prevent United's first minute opener when Chris Sutherland's corner was deflected out to the edge of the penalty box to Sinclair whose first-time shot was unanswerable.

Crombie did well to dash out from his goal to deny Nichol before he was beaten twice in a minute.

(photo by jamesgunn.co.uk)

Lee Elder's 13^th minute cross was headed on by Gavin Henderson to allow Sandy Sutherland to score with a low drive.

A minute later, Henderson and Alan Farquhar set Chris Sutherland haring down the wing and his cutback was converted by Sandy Sutherland.

Crombie was quickly in action to avoid further damage, his smart stops denying Nichol, Farquhar and Elder.

MacDonald's prompt to Nichol had the keeper scrambling to touch the striker's shot past.

He was exposed again on 41 minutes and this time Nichol converted Sandy Sutherland's return pass.

Bonar were undone on two other occasions but the finishes from Nicol and Henderson were both cancelled out by offside flags.

The visitors, who badly missed the inspirational veteran Bill Ferries, had to wait until the 52^nd minute for their first genuine attempt on goal when John Dorrian's assist was pulled wide by Sean Henstridge.

The earlier siege on Crombie's goal became more sporadic though Nichol threatened with a chipped shot on 53 minutes which grazed over the crossbar.

The fifth goal came on 57 minutes when Kyle Ross's free-kick was helped on by Sinclair to allow Sandy Sutherland's flick to seal his hat-trick.

(photo by jamesgunn.co.uk)

Shaun Henderson's first save came on 75 minutes when he did well to pouch a snap-shot from Henstridge.

Crombie needed help from David Mackay on 78 minutes when the defender was stationed inside a post at a corner to clear Farquhar's header off the line.

A minute later, Farquhar had a clearer opportunity from another set piece but this time sent headed over.

Michael Bremner thought he had added to the tally but had his effort ruled out.  Fellow sub Stevie Reid had the final chance five minutes from time when Farquhar sent him clear but his flashing shot was turned past by man-of-the-match Crombie.

United manager Ian MacDonald was happy with how his men went about their business while bemoaning their strike rate.

He said: "Our general play was a lot better than it was the week before and we got at them right from the start.  "I wasn't happy about the amount of chances we didn't take but at least we're creating them."

Halkirk - S. Henderson, Ross, Davidson, Sinclair, MacDonald, G. Henderson, Farquhar, C. Sutherland, S. Sutherland (Reid 67), Nichol (Bremner (67), Elder (Florence 77). Unused - Mackay.

Bonar Bridge - Crombie, D. Mackay, MacLean, Sutherland, Matheson, Rostock, Dorrian, MacKenzie, C. Mackay, Henstridge, Catlay. Subs - Montgomery, Clark, Millan.

Ref - Mr G. Elder.

report provided by Iain Grant

pictures provided by jamesgunn.co.uk

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