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

League - 06/12/08
Halkirk United 3 - 0 Tain Thistle

(photo by jamesgunn.co.uk)

United on Saturday encountered stiffer resistance from the MSIS North Caley League newcomers than their 7-0 victory in Tain at the beginning of September.  That said, the visitors posed next-to-no goal threat at Recreation Park with their energies concentrated on trying to stop the supply lines to the United strikeforce.

Thistle also impressed more as a footballing side than in the previous match when United manager Ian MacDonald took umbrage at the rough treatment dished out to his side, particularly in the latter stages.

Tain on Saturday were encouraged after going in at the interval just one behind but were sunk under the water-line by two goals within nine minutes of the resumption.

Halkirk had a familiar line-up apart from the use of erstwhile striker Kyle Ross on the right side of the defence.

The home side were quickly in attack mode with Graham MacDonald going close with two early shots, the second of which rebounded back off the inside of a post.

Jags keeper Steven Hislop was kept on his toes and did well to punch clear an Alan Sinclair header from a corner after 13 minutes.  A minute later, he could only watch as Alan Farquhar's defence-splitting pass to Chris Sutherland ended with the latter's firm shot flashing narrowly past.

After 25 minutes, another quickfire counter had Mark Nichol feeding Sandy Sutherland whose cross set up a gimme for Chris Sutherland.  The winger was left holding his head in shame as he blasted high and wide.

(photo by jamesgunn.co.uk)

Nichol went on to carve out an inviting opening for Farquhar whose shot was turned on to a post by Hislop.

The pressure finally paid off on 31 minutes when a surging run from Ross put Nichol clear with the striker stepping past a defender and Hislop before striking the ball into the empty net.

The contest was ended soon after the turnaround when United bagged two more during a concerted push.

MacDonald's well-judged pass allowed Sandy Sutherland to run through and guide the ball past Hislop to make it 2-0 on 47 minutes.

Tain were still reeling from that setback when they almost conceded another.

Nichol combined with Chris Sutherland to set up another chance for Sandy Sutherland whose effort trickled inches wide of the far post.

Nichol went close before latching on to Farquhar's through-ball to find Sandy Sutherland who provided the close-range finish on 54 minutes.

Hislop was to the fore in ensuring his side kept the score respectable.

The Dingwall-based keeper denied Sandy Sutherland a hat-trick goal when he got down well to the striker's shot after Ross had done the donkeywork.

Nichol hit woodwork and Sandy Sutherland went close again but Halkirk were unable to add to their tally.

Halkirk - Henderson, Ross, Davidson, Sinclair, Miller (Bremner 75), MacDonald, Farquhar, C. Sutherland (Sawyer 66), S. Sutherland, Nichol (Reid 75), Elder. Unused - Niwa.

Tain Thistle - Hislop, Durrand, McGruer, Oman, Farquhar, Cowie, Gollar, Brand, D. Christie, R. Ross, A. Christie. Subs - K. Ross, Murray and Davidson.

Ref - Mr J. Johnson.

report provided by Iain Grant

pictures provided by jamesgunn.co.uk

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