St Duthus reboot North Caledonian League title challenge with one-sided win against Halkirk United
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St Duthus got their North Caledonian title challenge back on track with a no-nonsense 5-1 victory against Halkirk United at Grant Park.
The Tain Saints were beaten by other contenders Golspie Sutherland and Invergordon in recent weeks.
But they ran out comfortable winners to remain in second place in the table.
“It was good to pick up the three points against a decent Halkirk side,” said Saints’ co-manager Andrew Ross.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s away clash against Bunillidh Thistle at Couper Park, he added: “It will be another tough game against Bunillidh.
“It’s a game we need to win to maintain our good league position.”
Saints went a goal down after just three minutes when Halkirk’s Aiden Reid beat Danny McCarthy, but were back on level terms within 60 seconds through Saints’ skipper Cammy Mackintosh.
Jon Campbell fired Saints in front in the 23rd minute when he was first to react after a Ben Bruce shot was parried by Anglers’ keeper Sean Milligan, and they contined to dominate in the second half.
Top scorer Bruce brought his tally for the season to 21 with two well-executed goals before Charlie MacDonald rounded off the scoring in the final minute when he scored from close range.
Invergordon held on to top spot but they were made to work for a 2-1 win against Orkney at Kirkwall Grammar School.
Orkney had the better of the first half and James Pickles gave them the lead on the stroke of half time.
Invergordon left it late to secure the points. Ken Morrison equalised with a stunning volley in the 70th minute, and Shaun Kerr grabbed a dramatic winner eight minutes from the end.
Elsewhere, Golspie Sutherland strolled to an 8-2 win against Bonar Bridge.
Invergordon Social Club fought back from two goals down to snatch a point in a 2–2 draw against Community Cup opponents North Kessock.
Social Club manager, Robert Mitchell said: “I was disappointed with our first half performance.
“But we have to be happy coming from 2-0 down to get a draw.”
