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

League Division 1 - 13/08/09
Halkirk 5 - 2 John O'Groats

Gavin B

A third consecutive league victory for the Wildcat's as we seal a comprehensive win which killed off JOG's title hopes and confirmed Wick Groats as league champions.

We made a great start to the game, were playing at a good tempo right from the start and it was no surprise when we took an early lead.

Charlie capitalised on a defensive mix-up to nick the ball, round the keeper and score into an empty net.

Mikey then had a couple of decent chances to get on the scoresheet but failed to work the keeper.

The visitors were struggling to get into the game as they failed to contain the strong running from midfield of Bainer, Kitten and Stevie C.

It was following a Stevie C run that we got our second. He skipped past a couple of challenges before he was finally upended about 35 yards from goal and although it was a fair way out, Gavin stepped up and fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net.

We were now well on top, really enjoying ourselves and soon made it three.

Once again, Stevie C's strong running did most of the damage as he broke from midfield and this time the foul to stop his run was inside the box.

Gavin took responsibility from the spot, made no mistake at all as he went for power rather than placement and the ball flashed past their keeper.

Had to be a penalty.

We should've increased the lead further before the break with Stevie C going close a couple of times from distance and Spike just failing to get a shot away when he got in behind the defence and was one-on-one with the keeper.

Then, just before half time, some poor defending allowed them their first real chance of the half and, they took it to give themselves a glimmer of hope going in at the break.

Half Time 3-1

Knowing that their league challenge was fading, the visitors came out with a bit of purpose at the start of the second half but they didn't really create any real chances and it wasn't long before it was us who were again looking the more threatening.

A great cross by Bainer gave Brenda an opportunity to make it 4-1 but his old-school diving header went over the bar.

We did get a fourth and once again it was the veteran Gavin Bremner who grabbed it.

Bainer did brilliantly to pick him out with a tremendous cross-field pass, which Gavin controlled instantly before calmly slotting the ball across the keeper and into the bottom corner with an expertly placed finish.

The away side then more or less went with four up front as they looked to get back into the game and they did pull another one back with about twenty minutes to go.

Although they had the ball in our final third a fair bit, they didn't really make any clear chances and Gunny (standing in for 21st Birthday Boy Pies) was only really tested with crosses and having to come off his line for one-on-ones. He was excellent whenever called upon though.

The next goal was now crucial, as a fifth goal for us would've put the result beyond any doubt while a goal for them would've given them hope for the final period.

Charlie goes for it.

Mikey had a couple of great chances but was denied both times, the second time by a great save following good work by Charlie.

The clinching fifth goal finally came with just under ten minuted to go.

Kitten played in Spike, who held off his man and got his shot away. Although his first effort was saved by the keeper, the rebound fell back to him and he made no mistake second time around, lobbing the ball into the empty net.

A great win for us following a tremendous performance that was as good as anything we have produced so far this season.

We were right up for it from the start, everyone put in a great shift and worked hard for each other. JOG are not an easy team to play against and it certainly isn't often that a team will put 5 goals past them but we did so and the fact it was only 5-2 flattered them.

The result and performance is also frustrating, as it just goes to show how good we can be when our attitude and commitment is right and some of us aren't hungover!

The displays in our last three league games have been excellent and we need to keep up this performance level for the last two games as we look to finish in as high a league position as possible.

Go Wildcat's!!

report provided by Liam Bremner

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