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

Port Services Cup Final (Review) - 29/10/08
Halkirk United v Alness United

--- Anglers ---

Halkirk United are hoping their fans get hooked on the new nickname adopted by the North Caley League club. It is also counting on the lure of silverware gets them off to a winning start tomorrow in their first outing under the guise of the 'Anglers'. The same nickname has, coincidentally, just been adopted by New England college baseball side Chatham, who play in the Cape Cod League.

United's opponents in the final of the Port Services Cup at Golspie tomorrow are Alness United.

The same two teams met in Balintore when Halkirk last tasted success back in April 2006. A last-gasp equaliser from sub Colin Davidson allowed them to go on to score a 3-1 extra-time victory to claim the Jock Mackay Memorial Cup.

Halkirk and Alness were due to meet on MSIS North Caley League business last Saturday but the game was the victim of the stormy weather.

While disappointed that his side were idle, Halkirk manager Ian MacDonald dislikes back-to-back matches against the same opponents.

He goes into the match with a casualty list which is fast clearing up but with a handful of regulars unable to make it.

The absentees include a trio of frontmen in Sandy Sutherland, Stevie Reid and Kyle Ross who are all at the wedding of Kyle's brother, Wick Academy player Stewart Ross.

Defender Stuart Florence misses out through work commitments. Defender Graham MacDonald and central midfielder Alan Farquhar are back training after long-time injuries though either or both may have to settle for a start on the bench.

Orcadian Adam Stanger is expected to make the trip while former regular keeper Sean Henderson has recovered from a knee injury to make his first start of the season between the sticks.

Manager MacDonald said:

"It's good to see the injuries starting to clear up and now it's just a question of getting the guys back to full fitness. "We're in a decent run of form and have not been giving too many goals away. "It would be a big boost if we managed to get our hands on the cup."

Alness manager Tommy Regan is relying on the cadre of players he has brought up through the club's youth ranks.

Their penalty shoot-out win in Thurso after a roller-coaster 4-4 draw in the semi spiked the prospect of an all-Caithness final.

The match at King George V Park kicks off at 2pm.

report provided by Iain Grant

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