Halkirk United FC - Reports, Results & Photos - Season 2011-2012

James Mackay Memorial Cup, Quarter-Final - 28/01/12
Halkirk United 2 - 3 Clachnacuddin

The form-book was turned on its head on Saturday as the Anglers slumped to a shock cup knock-out at the hands of lowly Clach.

Manager Jock Mackay conceded his side paid dearly for under-estimating the city side's second string at Recreation Park.

He had no quibble with the outcome which allowed Clach to celebrate becoming the first North Caley side to get the better of United this season.

Boosted by an early breakthrough, they were unfazed by Alan Larnach's first half equaliser.

They pulled 3-1 clear and home sub Chris Sutherland's last-minute penalty came too late to prevent his side exiting the Jock Mackay Memorial Cup quarter-final.

Clach could not have wished for a better start when a third minute free-kick was flicked on by Scott Chisholm into the path of Michael Corbett who bulleted the ball past keeper Graeme Williamson.

Halkirk responded with a long shot from Colin Sinclair that tested visiting keeper Douglas MacLennan.

The home side struggled throughout the afternoon to find the fluency and teamwork which had seen them go through their previous 15 fixtures undefeated.

Williamson was extended to deal with a Matthew MacKenzie shot and a header from Scott Davidson before United missed a glaring chance to get back on terms.

A cross from Larnach invited Michael Bremner to have a pop at goal which was parried by MacLennan.

The ball landed perfectly for Martin Banks but his attempt to steer it into the unguarded net was deflected wide.

The equaliser came on 25 minutes when Nigel Mackenzie and Colin Sinclair combined to allow Larnach to provide the finish.

Both keepers were seeing plenty of action with MacLennan pouching a long-rang effort from Mackenzie and making a good block from Banks.

Williamson was meantime relieved that nothing came of a run of Clach corners in the closing minutes of the half.

The visitors were growing in confidence and it was no surprise when they drew in front on 57 minutes.

MacKenzie's assist was headed powerfully past Williamson by Davidson.

Clach's other Scott Davidson failed to stretch Williamson when given a clear opening shortly afterwards.

In a brief Halkirk flurry, Colin Davidson twice went close as the home side sought to fight their way back into the contest.

Their task got bigger on 76 minutes when Clach striker Gordon Hooker was put clear and he squeezed a shot through Williamson's legs to make it 3-1.

Halkirk launched a full-on offensive for the remainder of the game with Sutherland and MacKenzie skying decent chances.

The effort went unrewarded until the final minute when Corbett was adjudged to have balked Sutherland in the penalty box.

Sutherland converted the spotkick but it was not enough to prevent the coupon-busting away win.

Manager Mackay said: 'We didn't really perform until the last 20 minutes and we realised the tie was slipping away from us.

'We under-estimated them and they have certainly improved a lot, they were the hungrier and they deserved their win.

'They have a few guys on the fringes of the first team who have decided they want a steady game with the second team.

He added: 'We had a few chances near the end when we could have pulled it out of the fire but over the piece we didn't deserve to take anything from the match.'

Halkirk United - Williamson, G. Sinclair, Florence, Davidson, C. Sinclair, MacKenzie, Cook, Henderson (A. Sinclair 61), Larnach, Bremner (Sutherland 58), Banks (Reid 78).

Clach 'A' - MacLennan, A. Smith, Spence, Urquhart, Scott Davidson, MacKenzie, Chisholm, Corbett, Hooker, Scott Davison (Reid 80), Dey. Subs (unused) - MacMorran, McCorquodale and M. Smith.

Ref - Mr J. Bicknell.

report provided by Iain Grant

photos provided by jamesgunn.co.uk

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