Halkirk United boss Ewan McElroy insists his players will relish the chance to test themselves against “revitalised” Inverness Athletic in the North Caledonian League this weekend.
The Anglers go into their away day in North Kessock on the back of a fine 5-1 home victory against Bonar Bridge.
Inverness Athletic, co-managed by brothers Stuart and Andrew Ross, continue to impress.
Their stoppage-time 2-1 win at Fort William leaves them level on points with third-placed St Duthus and they will be gunning for their sixth victory in 10 this weekend.
Halkirk, however, have ambitions too, with the chance – depending on results elsewhere – to move into the top half of the table.
McElroy reckons every fixture offers different tests, which has increased the appeal of the division.
He said: “We were delighted to get three points on Saturday. It has been a bit of a disjointed start to the season for us, due to injuries and unavailable players.
“It’s a hugely competitive league this season. All managers stated that it would be at the start of the season.
“It can only be good for the league. The majority of teams can take points off one another.
MATCHDAY PICTURES 📸
One or two pictures of yesterday's League meeting with @FortWilliamFC
Safe Access Highland
Access Personnel#InvAth | #NorthCaley pic.twitter.com/LRD9DUTrNl— Inverness Athletic Football Club (@InvernessAthFC) October 30, 2022
“Saturday will be a hugely difficult task against a revitalised Inverness. They got a terrific win at Fort William last week.
“We know it will be a really challenging task, but it is one we’re looking forward to.
“Games against the top teams are always a good gauge for us, but we do need to take one game as it comes.
“Just about every fixture provides a new challenge, but that’s what makes it an exciting league at the minute. You just don’t know what the results will be any given weekend.”
Friday football at Claggan Park
The action gets started on Friday night with Fort William playing hosts to Clachnacuddin A.
The Claggan Parkers’ late loss against Inverness leaves them 13 points away from leaders Loch Ness, albeit with two games to spare.
Paul Maclennan’s young Lilywhites travel to the West Highlands with just one win since joining the league this summer, but have had some tough tests lately, including their 4-1 loss at Golspie on Saturday.
We lost out 4v1 to second place Golspie today with our Man of the Match going to Troy Cooper.
Next up Fort William away, 8pm Friday 4th Nov.@MacandMac28@NorthCaleyFA
Shout out to @BedsIsle for sponsoring our MOTM pic.twitter.com/p9aU2ApRG7
— Clach Reserves (@ClachReserves) October 29, 2022
Can Loch Ness increase advantage?
Loch Ness, fresh from their cracking 7-1 rout against Nairn County ‘A’, make the journey to 10th-placed Thurso, who have seven points from nine games.
The division’s front-runners are in a healthy place – four points clear of Golspie and nine points ahead of St Duthus, who have played one match less.
With Golspie having no game, Shane Carling’s team will be determined to widen their impressive advantage.
Updated league table #NCFA #NorthCaley pic.twitter.com/4YFGL4imPA
— North Caledonian FA (@NorthCaleyFA) October 31, 2022
Invergordon focus on league points
Current league champions Invergordon will next week face Ross-shire rivals St Duthus in the Football Times Cup final at the King George V Park, Golspie.
This Saturday, however, their focus will be fixed firmly on ensuring they come away unscathed from their trip to basement side, Bonar Bridge.
They are 10 points away from the summit, with two games in hand over most sides above them, therefore there is no margin for error.
Nairn County’s reserves. meanwhile, are eager to claw away further from the bottom two position and they are home to fifth-placed Alness United.
Conversation