HFC Leagues, Results & Reports - Season 2003

ALL reports are being compiled by Liam Bremner, this season.

Steven Cup Final - 15/08/03
Halkirk 3 - 0 Ashes

The Wildcat's retained the Steven Cup with a comprehensive victory under the light's in Fort Mackanach's twin town!

Halkirk were well up for this game having suffered three heavy defeats at the hands of the pub team over the course of the season, of which we were reminded of in Friday's Groat!

'eBIG'H' came out the traps well, started the better team and got their reward when after a spell of dangerous corner kicks, Spike leapt like a salmon to flick in Blocksy's corner to make it 1-0.

They lost their shape for a bit after that and Ashes started to create a chance or two but were denied, thanks to some solid defending and great goalkeeping by young Wink! We kept the scoreline the same until the break when Josimar replaced the injured Steam Jets with young Gus.

The second half began with Halkirk on top, by playing some great football which was helped by the fact that the Elder's decided to cut out the silly stuff and concentrate on playing the Ashes off the park. We went two up after a great run down the left flank by Charlie was hammered into the net by young Steven Campbell. Halkirk then looked more and more comfortable and really began to enjoy themselves. The third goal was very nearly a carbon copy of the second but this time it was Gus who capitalised on Charlie's good play. 3 - 0 up and the game was over but we continued to play some good stuff and could have scored more with the Ashes limited to long ball counter attacks, which they never threatened from!

The game finished with the score at 3 - 0, which was certainly the correct result as the best team had won on the night.

Crispy did the honours and went up to collect the trophy from match referee Bob ' Chalk Your Cue' Gunn to the delight of the Halkirk team and supporters.

After the disappointment of promotion failure, it was a great way to finish off the season with such a good team performance, everybody doing their bit and nobody in the whole squad having an off night!

It was nice to get a trophy for Josimar & Sexy and also the supporters, who stuck it out in the Midge - plagued conditions that was Lybster.

Go Wildcat's!!!

Photos

Winning Halkirk Team and coaches.
Davie Blackwood accepts the winners' trophy	Lockie hits the by-line and sends in a good cross.....
Davie Will just misses out with a fantastic free kick.....
Ducker sends in a killer cross.....
Bob Gunn (Ref) and Linesmen - Bob Wheatcroft & Solomon Makouli	Jets injured for the first time......
Poop gets hard treatment in the nets.....	Jets, the play maker, receives a hard challenge from Ashes, for the second time.
Blocks tries a Beckham. No luck this time.....
Halkirk continue the pressure near the end......
A good sized Halkirk crowd travelled to the match. It was Davie Greig's birthday, aswell.....

2nd Division League - 06/08/03
Halkirk 4 - 0 Keiss

Halkirk finished of the season in style with a comfortable win despite resting one or two regulars. On a warm evening the first half pace was at time no faster than walking pace but we went in at half time 1 up after Jets gave us an early lead with a thunderbolt from the edge of the box.

Charlie came on for the second half and had an almost immediate impact setting up his brother Blox for a tap in and then scoring the third himself. The scoring was completed when Spike, another substitute, made it four after a good passing move.

Josimar then tried to shore things up by putting on Sexy as a holding midfielder and this worked as Keiss never really troubled us for the rest of the match.

There were some chances for the home team - the most notable from Duck who was extremely unlucky to see his bullet header flash past the upright!!

A home win to finish of the league campaign but once again we have come up short and only managed to finish fourth - not good enough!

Steven Cup - Semi-Final - 04/08/03
Thurso Thistle 2 - 3 Halkirk

The cup holders progressed to the final after overcoming Thistle a lot more comfortably than the scoreline suggests. We started well, playing some great football and creating chances and were rewarded when Gunny tapped in after good work from Crispy. The advantage was soon doubled when Charlie scored with a good solo goal. We continued to create chances but some slack play in front of goal meant we didn't increase our lead. We were then made to pay as they got a goal back from a free kick shortly before half time The second half was much the same story but then the home side were awarded a penalty kick at a crucial stage. Poop, however, made a great diving save which proved to be the turning point. We then proceeded to play some great football for the rest of the match creating chance after chance and we restored our two goal lead when Plonk rose like a salmon to bullet header home a cross. We couldn't score anymore goals and Thistle got a consolation goal in the 93rd minute.

A good win which was thoroughly deserved but lessons will have to be learned for the final next week as we have to get ruthless in front of goal and start burying the chances we are making!

Let's hope for a good Halkirk contingent travelling down to Lybster for the final next week to support the team as they try and retain the cup - Go Wildcat's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2nd Division League - 21/07/03
Top Joes 0 - 3 Halkirk

This rearranged league fixture was not quite as comfortable as the scoreline suggests. Despite missing injury victims Tarpot (Broken Leg) and Darren (Ankle Ligaments) - Wish you both a speedy recovery!, we got of to a good start and made some good chances and were finally rewarded when Charlie scored a well taken goal. After this, however, we seemed to take our foot of the pedal and got quite casual and TJ's, with a young midfield dynamo pulling the strings, had one or two near misses. This continued right up until the last quarter when Josimar made an inspired double substitution and was rewarded when one of the subs, Spike scored a quick fire double - his first was a very well taken solo goal and his second a good team move involving Charlie and Lockie. A good win for the Wildcat's who now lie idle for a fortnight due to some strange fixture scheduling!

Steven Cup - 2nd Round - 17/07/03
Halkirk 7 - 4 Top Joes

Cup holders Halkirk were the first to book their place in the semi-finals after a 7-4 home win. Lee Elder claimed a hat-trick, Stevie Elder grabbing two, a Swanson penalty and Johnnie Mackay getting the others.
The game was marred by two nasty injuries for home players Johnnie Mackay, broken leg and Darren Bain tearing ankle ligaments.

report from John 'O' Groat Journal

2nd Division League - 14/07/03
Ashes 5 - 2 Halkirk

The village men were unlucky to trail at the interval to a goal from John Holmes that had more than a hint of handball. But they had no answer in the third quarter as Stuart Florence and Dougie Mackay added further counters before Ross made it 4-0.
Halkirk dug in and got their reward during a bright spell with two goals which put the wind up the Ashes.
The home side then had keeper Andy Lannon to thank for one of the saves of the season when he somehow got to a cannonball shot by Johnnie Mackay from the edge of the box. Andy Taylor made it 5-2 with a last minute strike.
The defeat leaves Halkirk relying on others if they are to make the step up.

report from John 'O' Groat Journal

Biz' Cup - 12/07/03
Halkirk Young 6 - 4 Halkirk Old

Some of the old and new stars of Halkirk Football Club turned up to perform infront of a large crowd, on a stifling hot day.
The game was quiet even in spells but the younger lads, obviously, had the edge with a bit more match fitness than their older counterparts.
As usual, David 'Duffy' Mackay served his purpose well between the sticks but had to withdraw himself from the match with a twinge to his lower limbs, and back, and arms, and shoulders, etc - with those ever fateful words, 'She's gone.......'.
His brother pulled on the shirt to help him out but with hands covered in margarine, the young lads were always gifted two goals.
A young starlet was out to impress, in the form of a wannabe, 'Liam Gallagher'. All kitted out like his star friend, our kid, unfortunately, forgot that he had to make space for the ball to be played to him and the chance of leather touching leather was non-existent. Anyway, after a good run around the field for an hour or so, those immortal words came out, 'The b@@tards wouldna pass to me' - wonder why????? Following this a fag was lit, can was in hand and a few deep breathes were let out, pondering on a good days work - well, he thought that himself..... Keep trying super-lad, your fans are looking out for you.

In all, it was a good turnout - played in good humour and hopefully will continue to played in the future.

report by DZ

Photos

Neillie giving a speech after game.....
Ian MacKenzie handing trophy over to Halkirk Young captain - Kevin 'Steamjets' Sutherland.	Jets giving some comic genius on the soapbox.....
Some of the players and officials that took part on the day.....

2nd Division League - 11/07/03
Halkirk 7 - 0 Mid County

Halkirk briefly went second after this excellent win.
Goals by Lee Elder, Kevin Sutherland and Graham Gunn had them on easy street by the interval. A missed penalty by Elder proved a luxury they could afford as Sutherland, again, Stevie Elder and Mackay scored before Graham Gunn weighed in with the goal of the night.

report from John 'O' Groat Journal

2nd Division League - 08/07/03
Thurso Thistle 1 - 2 Halkirk

Halkirk avenged an earlier 2-1 defeat at home to Thurso Thistle by winning by the same score in the return at Ormlie.
Lee Elder scored twice to put them two up, with Paul Lockhart hitting the post before Terry Cannop got one back for Thistle before the interval. Thistle enjoyed the bulk of the play in the second period, with Cannop striking the woodwork and going close on several other occasions.

report from John 'O' Groat Journal

2nd Division League - 03/07/03
Halkirk 0 - 2 Thurso Pentlands

The visitors all but clinched their return to the top division with an all too comfortable win against an out of sorts Halkirk who never really seemed to get going. It was a pretty even start with not a great deal of chances created and it was the Thurso side who took the lead midway through the first half with a free header from a corner kick. The Wildcat's came out after the break with a bit more purpose and were the better team and on top but didn't really create many chances. We were then hit with the sucker punch when more slack marking was punished when they scored with another free header. A disappointing defeat for the lads and promotion now looks impossible!

2nd Division League - 30/06/03
Halkirk 2 - 0 Swifts

A great win for the Wildcat's that puts us on the fringe of the promotion battle. We settled down after a slightly nervy start and passed the ball around very well and took a deserved lead when Tarpot rose to beat the keeper to a long flighted free kick from Duck and his flick crept over the line despite the defender's best efforts. We were really flying then and the boy from Watten was then taken down for a stonewall penalty kick. Unfortunately, we didn't take advantage of the situation as young Martin's spot kick was saved by the keeper. This didn't affect us though and the heads didn't go down and we continued to dominate the remainder of the first half and we got our reward when Spike drove in a rebound after Charlie had hit the post. The second half was a much more even game with the Swifts having a lot more of the ball and putting us under more pressure. We held on well though and Poop didn't have an awful lot to do although he did have one outstanding save midway through the half. The defence remained solid for the rest of the game and we had some more chances on the counter attack but there was no more scoring and the game finished with a 2 - 0 home win. Go Wildcat's!!

2nd Division League - 19/06/03
Halkirk 5 - 2 Lybster

At last the team get back to winning ways with a good home win. With a strong wind at our backs we came quickly out the traps and Tarpot opened the scoring in the second minute. It was two almost immediately after Charlie scored with a tremendous free kick which had the keeper in all sorts of trouble. Lybster came straight back into it and pulled one back with he third goal of the opening ten minutes. The match settled down a bit then although we were guilty of not taking advantage of the wind and missing some easy chances. Then out of nowhere a 30 yard 'Hot-Shot Hamish' job from Darren Bain (yes, Darren Bain!) found it's way into the top corner. The visitors again came into it and got another one before half time to make it 3-2.

We came out after the interval and played better against the wind, passing the ball around on a very good surface (despite the fact that some doughnuts were doing doughnuts on the pitch last saturday night - tossers!).

The Wildcat's made it 4 - 2 when young substitute Duck (He has been on the bench more times than Sherriff Ewen Stewart recently) gave John Paul in the opposing goals no chance with an Albertz-esqueleft foot howitzer!!

We kept on making chances and after Gunny was chopped down in the box, again!, young Martin Bain made a great job of tucking away the spot kick to get a well deserved goal after another good performance from him in the middle of the park.

That was the end of the scoring and a good all-round performance from the lads of ebigH claimed the three points and gave their confidence a much needed boost.

Eoin Mackintosh Cup - 16/06/03
Halkirk 1 - 3 Wick Rovers

Another defeat for the lads but the team emerged with plenty of credit after a battling display. With 5 regulars missing due to suspensions & injuries it was a youthful line up that took the field. Rovers came out the traps quickly and all their early pressure was eventually rewarded with a goal. They quickly doubled their advantage with a penalty after a horrendous mistake from Duck. We finally settled down after that and played some good football for the rest of the first half and had chances to pull at least one back.

After a good start to the second half, it was the Rovers who scored with a goal against the run of play - although it was so far offside it was laughable, but the referee didn't take Sexy's flag. Duck's frustration saw him get booked after a midfield altercation with 'Greg Louganis'!

The Wildcat's kept battling away and eventually got their reward when Gus showed everybody how to score a penalty kick.

A great performance from the team and especially young Martin Bain who was outstanding in the middle of the park.

2nd Division League - 10/06/03
Keiss 5 - 4 Halkirk

Our promotion hopes all but ended after this bad defeat in what really was a must win game. With the two Elders suspended and other players dropped it was a slightly different starting 11 that took the field. After an even start, Keiss took the lead after some slack play at the back but we soon got back level with a good goal from Spike. This however was short lived as we went in at the break 3 - 1 down after losing another 2 bad goals in a short space of time. We came out after half time with a bit of purpose about us and Tarpot scored a screamer to get us back in the game before some more slack play had us trailing 5 - 2. Two headed goals in the last ten minutes, one from Darren Bain and one from Tarpot proved to be nothing more than consolation for the Wildcats who are surely now left with a mountain to climb

Friendly - 05/06/03
Halkirk 2 - 1 Workshops

Due to a fortnight between league fixtures Josimar arranged this match to keep the boys match fit and try one or two new things for the crucial upcoming period.

We went in at half time 1 down after they scored a tap in from a rebound that Poop was very unlucky with. It should have been all square but Charlie missed from the penalty spot (third spot kick miss this season -that makes us as good as Treble winning Rangers!!)

Another good showing in the second 45 was rewarded when Steam scored a 25 yard thunderbolt after good play with Gus and then Russell Bain scored a great goal after being put through by Crispy.

A good morale boosting win before our trip down to the bowling green surface in Keiss for a real six pointer on Tuesday.

2nd Division League - 27/05/03
Mid County 0 - 5 Halkirk

The Wildcat's get back to winning ways with a comfortable victory over the bottom team. A bright start saw Tarpot give us an early lead with a smart finish after a good move. Some slack play followed as we didn't seem very interested but then Gunny went on a mazy run and was chopped down on the edge of the box. Charlie scored from the resultant free kick with a low shot in the corner. A little bit more urgency was shown after the break with more chances created and Lockie got on the score sheet to make it 3 after some good battling play from Crispy. Russell Bain gave a little scream after he came of the bench and got the fourth and Charlie completed the scoring with a fine header after some good build up play. A comfortable win but the winning margin should have been more with chances missed, over-elaborating in and around the box and a missed penalty kick by Lockie (apparently it was a fantastic save!!).
A little mention for the two young substitute's who showed a lot of promise when they came on - Martin Bain and Sexy!

Highland Amateur Cup Round 2 - 17/05/03
Halkirk 1 - 3 Acks

A pre match presentation saw Martin Munro donate a set of running out tops to the team.

The Acks came flying out the traps and Lesby fired them in front after only five minutes and everyone feared a massacre! After weathering some more pressure the lads started to get into the game more and got an equaliser when Charlie buried a great goal past ex Halkirk keeper Marc Swanson. A spirited display for the rest of the first half meant that the Acks were gurning with each other and the Wildcats could sense this at half time. We never really created many chances after the break though and the quality of the Acks play started to shine through and it was no great surprise when they went 2-1 up.

Halkirk then fought back and were unlucky only to be awarded a free kick when Gunny was chopped down as it looked to be inside the box! Acks took advantage by making it 3-1 and Halkirk's misery continued when a frustrated Blocks saw red!

A great performance by everyone in red and black but perhaps a special mention to Poop who had his best game for Halkirk and made some outstanding saves!

Photos

HFC Sponsors

Martin Munro handed over his sponsored Training Tops to HFC captain Davie Blackwood.

Liam Bremner representing JGC Welding is seen with some young hopefuls and the new 3/4 goals that UKAEA Dounreay & JGC provided for the future development of the youngsters.....

A young Lockie looking good for the future. Just hope he doesn't end-up playing like his dad.....	Jets acting as cool as ever - needing a drink of water.....
Halkirk go in at half time all square but they look a bit dejected.....	Blocks gets sent-off and scares the crowd by removing his top....
'eBIG'H' searching for a lifeline in the dying minutes.....
It's all over bar the drinking.....
Big Mac gets abuse from 'Square-Head' at the end of the match.....
Should this man be allowed to run the line like this..??

David Allan Shield Round 2 - 14/05/03
Halkirk 4 - 5 John 'O' Groats - (after extra time - golden goal)

The team suffered a 'Golden Goal' defeat after a great cup tie. A slightly weakened home team played against the wind in the first half and went in at half time 2-1 down after Tarpot scored with a neat finish after a great move. A good start to the second half wasn't rewarded and JOG went 3-1 up after a breakaway. Tarpot capitalised on a defensive mix-up to make it 3-2 and then a well taken brace from Gunny got us 4-3 in front with 10 minutes to go. Disaster struck though when they equalised with 30 seconds left to play.

The tie went into extra time and both teams had chances before JOG won a penalty after a defensive error. The Ginger one made a great effort in trying to save the spot kick but he couldn't get a strong enough hand on a powerfully struck shot.

A great battling performance from the Wildcats who have every right to feel hard done by with the result.

2nd Division League - 08/05/03
Halkirk 1 - 6 Ashes

We lost bad goals!
We missed easy chances!
We lost our shape!
We lost our discipline!

An absolutely embarrassing performance and result.

D:REAM said it best!

2nd Division League - 06/05/03
Swifts 3 - 4 Halkirk

Both sides missed early chances before the Swifts took a two goal lead. Halkirk pulled one back after Charlie got a great flick-on to a Steam Jets corner. The Swifts made it 3-1 before half-time and they also missed a penalty although Halkirk missed several sitters.

After a composed half time team talk the lads came out with all guns firing and Tarpot got one back before Crispy drew us level with a screamer. They were reduced to ten men after some handbags and Gunny buried a Tarpot cross to seal the comeback and secure the three points.

A great performance by the Wildcats who played some really sweet football at times.

2nd Division League - 02/05/03
Halkirk 2 - 1 Top Joes

Some changes to the starting line up by Josimar saw the team making a bright start and created a few chances but only went in at half time 1 up after a goal by Spike. TJ's came back into it after the break and got a deserved equaliser with a 'Beckham - esque' free kick. The points went to the home team after Spike notched his second of the evening.

Good to be back to winning ways.

Friendly - 29/04/03
Halkirk 2 - 1 Dounreay Workshops

Due to a week and a half break between league fixtures Josimar took this friendly to give the boys a game and also try the 'Ranieri Rotation' system by benching Lockie, Duck and Charlie. The 'Tops' went in at half time 1 up thanks to a good goal from a free kick although the marking should have been tighter. Halkirk missed the chance to go in level as Tarpot saw his tame spot kick saved. A better start to the second half was rewarded with a great headed goal by Russell Bain after a mazy run by Gus. The game was won when Charlie kept his cool when one on one with the keeper after being put through by Tarpot, whose assist made up for the penalty miss.

A good workout for the wildcats before their big game against TJ's on Friday night.

2nd Division League - 22/04/03
Halkirk 1 - 2 Thurso Thistle

Another disappointing result for the lads. A reasonable start wasn't rewarded with a goal and Thistle went in 2 up at half time thanks to a Tele Savalas goal and a disputed penalty. Tarpot burst the net ten seconds after the break but we couldn't turn the second half pressure into an equalising goal. Disappointing result and performance. Must improve quickly but a little bit of luck wouldn't go amiss.

2nd Division League - 18/04/03
Pentland 2 - 1 Halkirk

The lads suffered their first defeat of the season after a tight contest at the Dammies. Pentlands took a deserved early lead after a sluggish start by Halkirk. The wildcats, though, got back level after a great goal by Charlie and went in at half time all square. A pretty even contest on a terrible pitch swung in the Pentland's favour when Spike was red carded for dissent towards the referee. They got the winner shortly afterwards through an offside looking Alec Macdonald but the goal stood and despite a few late chances Halkirk were beaten.

2nd Division League - 15/04/03
Lybster 0 - 6 Halkirk

A great start to the season for the team. A solid start was rewarded when Steam Jets opened the scoring direct from a corner although it may have taken a touch on the way in. Charlie soon made it two with a well placed header from a Darren Bain free kick and we went in at half time three up after a scorcher from Spike. Lockie tucked away a spot kick early in the second half after Gunny was chopped down after a good run. Bit of a debate over the spot kick taker but 'I should be so' pulled rank and proved he was the man for the job. Gunny did get on the scoresheet with a flying header from tarpots cross for the fifth. Graeme Angus came on as sub and soon made it six with a sweet strike!

Overall, a good solid performance but there is room for improvement.

Rural League - 09/04/03
J'O'G 3 - 1 Halkirk

This was a match that Halkirk deserved to win. They fell behind early on but were soon level when new centre half Duck tucked away a sitter after good play by Steam & Crispy. After dominating for the rest of the first half and playing some lovely football, we unbelievably went in 2-1 down after some slack marking at a free kick. The team lost its shape after the break due to four substitutions and, the combination of some heavy opposition tackles going unpunished by the local referee and eventually conceded a last minute counter attack goal which Duck should have prevented. A good performance overall which deserved more.

The night was soured however, after the outstanding Steven Campbell broke his ankle and is now out for the season. This happened because of the fact that the pitch in John ' O' Groats is a disgrace and has more holes than down town Baghdad!!!

Anyway, we all wish young Steven a speedy recovery and hope he is up and about soon.

Rural League - 06/04/03
Halkirk 2 - 2 Pentland United

In a fairly blustery day the game got off to a scrappy start with Morris missing a couple of snips before retiring injured after 25 mins. Mackenzie also had a couple of opportunities without troubling the goalkeeper. S Elder pounced on a mistake from Allan Sutherland and crashed a shot off the bar from 25 yards. Halkirk were clearly growing in confidence and it was no surprise when they took the lead, from a free-kick, after S. Elder was fouled by Baker. Blackwood was unmarked to bundle in from around 6 yards from the resultant free-kick. Half time saw United slightly increase the tempo although their attacks were largely ineffectual however they got the opportunity to draw level when quick feet from Andy Mackay saw him upended in the box. Brian Gray fired the resultant kick high and wild - however, the referee had noticed an infringement. United elected to change their taker and Bremner fired home. Within minutes they were ahead first class running off the ball by Ross Sutherland was rewarded by a fine pass from Mackay and he found the net with a low shot but Halkirk were not to be outdone by their country cousins and after a long throw and a few attempted efforts, Angus found the net with a low drive.

Halkirk deserve the plaudits from this Rural affair, Angus and Campbell turned in accomplished performances and Blackwood turned in accomplished performances and Blackwood turned back the clock with a captains role.

report by Michael 'Ginger' Gray - Stabs Goalie

Friendly - 02/04/03
Halkirk 0 - 4 Ashes

I was informed just to put - 'piiiiiiiiiissssssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhh'...........

Rural League - 30/03/03
Halkirk 1 - 1 Castletown

End-of-Document