Stormy weather was as much a focal point as the action within the North Caledonian League at the weekend.
A united effort from many folk at Bonar Bridge helped to get Migdale Playing Fields ready for their game against Loch Ness.
Great effort to get the park in playable condition guys! 👏 Much appreciated, and we will see you back at Fortrose soon. 👍
— Loch Ness Football Club (@LochNessFC) November 6, 2021
Conditions continued to be testing for the players, but goals from Josh Race and Conor Macphee had the visitors 2-0 ahead after 20 minutes.
Bonar, who won at Nairn last week, could not find a way into this one and Darren MacGregor sealed the victory for Loch Ness on 63 minutes to take Shane Carling’s team to within one point off first place.
The hosts are in ninth position, two points ahead of Thurso, but having played three matches more.
Bonar 0-3 @LochNessFC
Loch Ness take the 3 points on a horrible day for football.
Great effort from the commitee to get the pitch ready after a bad spell of weather
— Bonar Bridge FC (@bonar_fc) November 6, 2021
Anglers top after win in Inverness
Halkirk United are the team on top after their hard-fought 2-0 win against bottom side Inverness Athletic at the city’s Royal Academy.
Again, strong winds made life tough for the players, but Halkirk’s Grant MacNab put the Anglers ahead with a cracking 30-yard free-kick on 57 minutes.
Athletic, who are seeking their first win of the season, sought an equaliser, but a stoppage-time Jonah Martens’ goal, his 15th of the year, rounded off an important win for the league leaders.
90’ | 🌑 IAFC 0-2 HUFC 🔴 | #InvAth #HalkirkUtd
FULL TIME
It’s Halkirk Utd who secure the three points here with a free kick from Grant Macnab and a Jonah Martens strike deep into injury time.Full match report to follow
— Inverness Athletic FC (@InvernessAthFC) November 6, 2021
Grant’s headed goal wins it for Nairn
Nairn County reserves won their fourth game in eight thanks to a 1-0 victory at Alness United.
An 18th minute header from Nathan Grant made the difference for the visitors, with keeper Gus Wilson also saving a penalty to ensure the three points returned to Nairn.
High winds brought play to an end at Thurso as they were goalless against St Duthus after 55 minutes. The match had been switched to the Naver 3G pitch due to the Dammies being deemed unfit.
Safe trip back down the road folks
— Thurso Football Club (@ThursoFC) November 6, 2021
Continued Covid issues at Orkney resulted in their fixture against Invergordon being postponed.
This Saturday’s fixtures are: Loch Ness v Golspie Sutherland (1pm), Inverness Athletic v Bonar Bridge (2pm), Halkirk United v Orkney (2.15pm), St Duthus v Invergordon (1pm), and Nairn County reserves v Thurso (1pm).
- St Duthus have added coach Robert Ross to their backroom team. He returns to the club having last turned out as a player in 2005.
NEXT WEEK. NORTH CALEDONIAN LEAGUE – 13.11.21
(SPONSORED BY @MacandMac28)
Loch Ness vs Golspie Sutherland
Inverness Ath vs Bonar Bridge (2 pm)
Halkirk United vs Orkney (2.15 p.m)
St.Duthus vs Invergordon
Nairn County 'A' vs ThursoAll 1 p.m kick-offs unless stated #NCFA pic.twitter.com/QRboXRZnDf
— North Caledonian FA (@NorthCaleyFA) November 6, 2021
