Halkirk United FC - Reports, Results & Photos - Season 2009-2010

Port Services Group League - 27/03/10
Golspie 1 - 2 Halkirk United

A late opportunist strike from Jimmy Budge allowed the Anglers to complete a PGS North Caley League double over Golspie on Saturday.

There was little to choose between the sides who could both point to a handful of near misses.

A draw would not have been unfair after Alex Bone and Colin Sinclair traded early goals but Budge's tenth of the season clinched a victory which allowed his side to cement their place in the top four.

Sandy Sutherland returned for his first outing in five months to form the spearhead of United's attack along with top scorer Budge.

Before Bone's third minute opener, Budge had fashioned an early opener for Luke Sawyer whose shot proved an early tester for home keeper Steven Campbell.

There seemed to obvious danger when Bone received a throw-in and headed towards the left bye-line. But his check inside and delivery with the outside of his right boot sailed over the reach of United keeper Graeme Williamson and went in off the far upright.

The adrenalin-fuelled start continued when Sawyer's industry opened the way for Scott Mackay Steven to fire a shot which Campbell saved with his legs.

Mackay Steven sent another effort narrowly wide before his corner led to his side drawing level on 19 minutes.

The setpiece was half-cleared to Colin Sinclair who promptly netted with a peach of a volley from 15 yards.

Sinclair then stung Campbell's hands with a swerving free-kick.

Williamson emulated his counterpart with an athletic dive to deny Bone a second with a snapshot from Ken Whyte's lay-off.

United regained the initiative with Mackay Steven going close again and Budge showing his aerial prowess with his connection from a corner skimming the top of the bar.

Bone was proving a handful up front and Williamson had to show razor-sharp reactions to prevent the 39-year-old ex-pro getting his second on 29 minutes.

The glut of thrills and spills produced by the free-flowing contest continued with Mackay Steven's would-be lobbed finish from Stuart Florence's feed eluding Campbell but ending up on top of the net.

On 33 minutes, Alan Sinclair took off on from deep in his own half on a meandering run which took him past four opponents.

He threaded a pass through to Sutherland whose powerful shot was well held by the over-worked Campbell.

At the other end, John Smith and Shane Sutherland linked well with Bone's header from the latter's close marginally too strong to count.

The half ended with Campbell back in action to repel decent efforts from Colin Sinclair and Florence.

The home side saw more of the ball in the second half when they came close several times to recapturing the lead.

Four minutes after the break, Robbie MacDougall's free-kick produced a pop at goal by Ken Whyte which rocked the woodwork as the ball thudded off the underside of the crossbar.

Sutherland then tested Campbell before ref Bob Gunn waved away vociferous claims for a penalty by the home camp.

Pole Kystoff Mikula headed narrowly past from an inch-perfect cross from Shane Sutherland before Paul McLaren brought out the best in Williamson when the keeper somehow got to the Golspie man's vicious close-in strike.

With fifteen minutes to go, United missed a golden chance to take the lead after MacKay Steven and Henderson released sub Liam Bremner.

The Staxigoe man set up Alan Sinclair whose sclaff wide was as maladroit as the build-up was slick.

Bremner was then denied a debut goal by a smother save before United sealed all three points with four minutes left.

Sub Alan Davis set Mackay Steven on a run which saw him trick his way past two opponents before crossing for Budge to get in ahead of several defenders to net.

Halkirk official Billy Manson was delighted to come away with a victory.

'It was a very close game. It was there for either of the teams to sneak a winner and we were lucky enough to get it.'
He added: 'It was a good win for us and helps build a bit of momentum for the run-in.'

Golspie - Campbell, A. Smith, J. Smith, A. Sutherland, MacDougall, MacLaren, Thomson, Bone, Whyte, Campbell, S. Sutherland, Subs - Mikula, D. Sutherland and Kennedy.

Halkirk - Williamson, C. Sinclair (Bremner 63), Murray, A. Sinclair, Davidson, Florence, Henderson, Sawyer (Davis 70), S. Sutherland (Shearer 70), Budge, Mackay Steven. Sub (unused) - Banks.

Referee - Mr R. Gunn.

report provided by Iain Grant

End-of-Document