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

North of Scotland Cup, Round 1, Harmsworth Park, Wick - 26/07/11
Halkirk United 2 - 1 Wick Academy

Academy went into tonight's first round North of Scotland Cup game without the services of strikers David Allan and Gary Weir who were both serving carry-over suspension. In an unusual early cup exit Academy were knocked out at the hands of Halkirk United, who ran out worthy winners.

Halkirk had an early set-back when Grant McNab picked up an injury as early as the 15th minute. He was unfortunately stretchered off and replaced by Michael Bremner.

Academy should have opened the scoring after 21 minutes. Stevie Cunningham broke down the right wing and crossed into the heart of the Halkirk box. The ball was headed out by Colin Sinclair and fell for Richard Macadie who smacked it on the volley but he couldn't keep the effort down and it went over the top of the cross-bar.

Man of the Match - Nigel Mackenzie

Halkirk had their first sniff at goal 3 minutes later when substitute Michael Bremner had a shot on the run but it too went over the top of goal.

Academy had two further half-chances before the break with Stevie Cunningham firing just wide of Shaun Sinclair's right hand post, and Sam Mackay minutes later had a repeat attempt that also shaved the outside of the right post.

Halkirk had two or three great chances to take the lead before the half time break. Nigel MacKenzie hooked a shot from the middle of the box over the top of Bokas's goal, and Chris Sutherland then found himself with room in the Academy box after some ball watching from the Academy defence but he scuffed his shot and it trundled straight to Bokas. The half ended with Nigal MacKenzie threading Michael Bremner in on goal and he hit a shot on target that Bokas collected.

Half time 0 - 0

Academy started the second half with a little more intent and after only 4 minutes Craig Shearer flicked the ball onto Sam Mackay. He took the ball on his chest and hit it on the drop but keeper Henderson palmed it round the near post.

Academy opened the scoring in the 59th minute. Michael Steven slipped the ball to Sam Mackay through the heart of the Halkirk defence and he ran on a few yards with ball at feet before curling a right foot shot into the corner of the net.

Halkirk fought back into the game though and after a good 10 minute period of possession Nigel MacKenzie slipped the ball to Alan Larnach who in turn pushed the ball through the middle to Davie Cowie and the former Academy striker grabbed the headlines as he fired into the top corner of the net.

With 4 minutes left Halkirk scored the winner. Colin Sinclair drove out of his own half and sent Nigel MacKenzie on his way down the right flank. With the Academy defence scrambling back MacKenzie swung the ball into the back post for substitute Paul Mackay and he had the simplest of finishes as he nodded home un-challenged.

Academy couldn't find a reply and Halkirk now go into a second round home tie against Clachnacuddin, who beat Golspie Sutherland 4 - 1.

report and photo from John Briskham - wick-academy.co.uk

End-of-Document