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

League - 08/11/08
Halkirk United 3 - 1 Golspie

(photo by jamesgunn.co.uk)

A win for Golspie on Saturday would have virtually assured them a freewheel to the MSIS North Caledonian League title. Their first reverse of the campaign not only makes the gap between them and second placed Muir of Ord and third placed Halkirk United bridgeable.

It also sows the first seeds of doubt in the minds of the defending champions, who will also have to do without leading scorer Andy Keveren for the rest of the season.

Saturday's tussle at Recreation Park was no classic with a blustery crossfield wind not helping the flow of the game.

For United, the result was all-important and their success was just about deserved, if two of their two goals resulted from gaffes by the visitors' stand-in keeper Angus Hutchinson.

Golspie made an encouraging start and they carved out the first three decent openings of the afternoon.

Winger Shane Sutherland's deep cross had United keeper Jack Mackay back pedalling furiously to touch it on the bar before it was hacked clear.

A minute later, Michael Sandison's quick spin in the penalty box was complemented by a fierce 10 yard shot which the home camp were happy to see rebound off defender Alan Sinclair.

(photo by jamesgunn.co.uk)

On 18 minutes, Golspie's Michael Dunnett's centre eluded the defence before John Mackay loomed at the far post to send a header into the side-net.

Halkirk gradually seized the initiative with a good spell featuring a shot from Michael Bremner which crept past and Colin Sinclair's spectacular effort from near the halfway which almost caught out Hutchinson.

After 42 minutes, Bremner again went close from Colin Davidson's assist.

Sandison sent a half-chance over before United took the lead with just about the last action of the first half.

Hutchinson fumbled an overhit through-ball and Graham MacDonald was on hand to stroke the loose ball into the unguarded net.

The visitors were back on terms within a minute of the resumption after Donald Sutherland's dangerous run into the box was ended by Alan Farquhar's mistimed challenge. Ref Graham Elder had no hesitation in awarding a penalty and John Mackay duly converted the spot-kick.

(photo by jamesgunn.co.uk)

Halkirk looked good value to recapture their lead and they did so on 56 minutes.

Hutchinson was again at fault as he failed to factor in the wind as Colin Sinclair's inswinging 35 yard free-kick found the back of the net at the riding centre end of the ground.

Keeper-itis spread to the other end nine minutes later when Jack Mackay allowed Ross Thomson's innocuous 30 yarder slip from his grasp. Fortunately for the home side, the ball trundled just wide of his near post.

On 68 minutes, smart work by MacDonald and sub Lee Elder manufactured a clear shooting opening for Sandy Sutherland. Hutchinson's dash from his line narrowed the angle and he was able to make a block with his legs.

Golspie enjoyed a lot of possession and forced a string of corners in the latter stages but were unable to create any clearcut opportunities.

(photo by jamesgunn.co.uk)

It was United who carried more threat on the counter-attack with Sandy Sutherland unlucky to see his netbound shot deflected past on 80 minutes.

United's win was confirmed on 90 minutes when an unproductive Golspie corner triggered a length-of-the-park move begun by Farquhar. Colin Sinclair delivered the killer pass to Chris Sutherland whose pace took him clear of the cover. He raced through towards Hutchinson who managed to get to his shot but was powerless to prevent the winger potting the rebound.

Halkirk - Mackay, C. Sinclair, A. Sinclair, Miller, Davidson, Farquhar, Henderson, MacDonald, Bremner (S. Sutherland 66), Sawyer (C. Sutherland 45), Niwa (Elder 60). .

Golspie - Hutchinson, A. Sutherland, MacBean, S. Thomson, Dunnett, R. Thomson, Sandison, Mackay, Campbell, D. Sutherland, S. Sutherland. Subs (used) - Whyte, MacLean and Taylor.

Ref - Mr G. Elder

report provided by Iain Grant

pictures provided by jamesgunn.co.uk

End-of-Document