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

League Division 1 - 14/07/09
Halkirk 1 - 0 Swifts

Mikey shoots and scores.

A vital and long overdue league win for the Wildcat's as we condemn the Swifts to their first league defeat of the season.

With late call-offs from Bainer & Spike to add to the already unavailable Blocks, Charlie, Muttley & Rusty, it was once again a depleted squad that Nige had to pick from with Duck & Tarpot handed rare starts and only Butch & Nastinho listed as substitutes.

Playing against a very good Swifts side that are clear at the top of the league, we knew that all of us would have to put in a tremendous shift from start to finish to try and frustrate and stop them playing like they can.

The opening period of the match was quiet even with both teams enjoying spells of possession but failing to create any clear cut chances.

Brenda had our best early chance but his looping header from Gavin's corner just cleared the bar.

We then had a let-off when Pies was beaten by a great Mark Nichol volley but his effort came back off the post.

Pies was called into action again when he made a fine save from a header at a corner kick.

We then came close to scoring ourselves.

Kitten did well to get to the bye-line and cut in heading for goal. He looked up but didn't see any real options and went for goal from a tight angle, only to see his shot hit the post. The rebound came back out into the six yard box but we were unable to force home the ball in the scramble that followed.

Stevie C then worked the keeper from long range, with a left foot strike that was heading for the top corner. Although, it wasn't really struck powerfully enough to beat him, despite his best efforts to make a mess of it.

Tarpot makes big challenge.

The visitors then enjoyed their best spell of the game for the final ten minutes of the first half, as their pace and movement off the ball caused us problems but we were able to hang on and get in at the break on level terms.

Half Time 0 - 0

We knew at half time we were well in the game, had a great chance of taking something from it but did make a slightly sluggish start and let them get a shot in from 25 yards but it trundled wide and didn't trouble Pies.

We then thought we had taken the lead with our first decent attack of the second period.

Good build up play from Duck, Gavin & Mikey saw Duck played into the box but he sclaffed his shot across the face of the goal (whilst possibly suffering from a nose bleed) only for the loose ball to be fired into the net by Tarpot - but, his celebrations were cut short by a linesmans offside flag, despite it looking like he had run from behind the defender to get to the ball.

This gave us a lift and we continued to match the league leaders all over the pitch.

Kitten again caused havoc in their box. He showed great desire to win a header from another Gavin corner but his effort was blocked and was followed by yet another scramble in which he hit the post, again, and then Gunny also went close.

The visitors were getting more and more frustrated and were raging when their strong appeal for a penalty was waved away and within a few minutes we took the lead.

We were actually defending a corner but the ball was cleared up to the halfway line and Butch (on for Tarpot) did brilliantly to feed Gavin in the middle of the park. He played a first time ball through to Mikey who showed great pace and strength to hold off his man before expertly lobbing the keeper from 30 yards and the ball found the back of the net via the inside of the post.

Gunnie gets his toe to the ball.

With their desperation for points, they then went 3-4-3 and threw everything at us for the last fifteen minutes but the excellent defence of Crispy, Brenda & Gav held firm. Anytime they did break through, Pies was equal to any effort, as he continued on with his fine form from Saturday.

If anything, we could've increased our lead late on to put the result beyond doubt but Duck's tired legs showed when he tried his luck from distance - rather than trying to run in on goal to get a shot away from a better position.

We were able to see out the rest of the game and secure a vital three points.

An absolutely brilliant performance from all twelve guys in a Halkirk shirt as we picked up a win that no-one expected. Right from the first whistle everyone put in 100%, we matched them all over the pitch and our work-rate and commitment ensured that everyone won their individual battles.

We were under the cosh for a ten minute spell in the first half but I don't think anyone can deny that we deserved the victory.

Coming on the back of our draw down in Avoch on Saturday, it's been a good few days for the team and here's hoping we can continue this form when we play our Highland Cup Quarter Final Replay at Recreation Park on Saturday.

Go Wildcat's!!

report provided by Liam Bremner

photos by jamesgunn.co.uk

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