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

League Division 1 - 07/07/09
Wick Groats 3 - 1 Halkirk

Rusty

Another defeat for the Wildcat's, but this was a much improved performance against a very good Wick Groats side.

Injuries, work commitments and holidays once again ruled out Bainer, Charlie, Kitten, Muttley & Crispy - so it was a slightly depleted squad that made the trip through to Wick.

We started the game reasonably well and had the advantage of having a fairly strong breeze at out backs.

The opening exchanges were pretty even before the home side started to gain the upper hand as their pace and movement posed us problems.

They took the lead around the fifteen minute mark, although it was a disappointing goal from our point of view, as it was a relatively free header from a corner and despite Gav's best efforts to clear on the line, the ref ruled that the ball had crossed the line.

We were slightly rattled by this goal, gradually regained our composure, fought our way back into it and went on to have the best of the game for the remainder of the first period.

Our ball retention was better and we created them problems from some good set piece deliveries from Gavin, with Brenda unlucky to see a header go wide. But, we got a deserved equaliser with a great goal.

Gavin squared the ball to Blocks on the halfway line and he played a great diagonal ball to Spike, who controlled the ball before teeing up Rusty who got the ball out of his feet before curling a 20 yarder into the top corner.

Despite enjoying our fair share of possession, we couldn't increase our lead before the break.

Half Time 1 - 1

We made a terrible start to the second half that saw us concede two goals inside the first ten minutes.

We were sluggish from the re-start, struggled to keep the ball and couldn't get out of our own half. In saying that, their second goal came from the penalty spot after a poor decision from the ref.

First, he ignored an offside flag from a through ball. Then, penalised Brenda for a push that no-one saw, even the Groats attacker admitted that it was never a penalty and it was a fair shoulder charge. The fact that none of their players appealed for anything told the story.

We didn't react well to going behind and conceded almost immediately, when they got a slightly fortuitous goal.

Their winger got a couple of lucky breaks of the ball down the right hand side before his cut-back was guided into the net of the right hand post.

We lost our shape slightly as the game wore on, tried to get back into it but the home side were always dangerous on the break and almost made it four when they hit the post.

We worried them again from some set pieces and Stevie C's netbound shot was blocked, when it looked destined for the top corner. We failed to work their keeper enough though and they held on comfortably for what was a deserved victory.

A much more spirited performance than last week and one we can take a bit of heart from as we showed a bit of character to get back into the game after conceding the early goal.

We still need to find a bit more creativity in the final third and all need to try and keep the ball better when we have it.

The one worry to come out of the game was that Spike had to leave proceedings early due to an ankle knock. But, hopefully he will recover in time to take his place in the starting line-up on Saturday along with a few others, as we face a very difficult game at Avoch in the Highland Amateur Cup Quarter Final.

Go Wildcats!!

report provided by Liam Bremner

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