Match Highlights will be added when available.
Week 18 of the Macleod & Maccallum North Caledonian Season seen us travel to Halkirk to face the league leaders for the second time this season.
The game started with chances for both sides coming early on. Shaun Marshall causing problems for the Halkirk defense down the left driving goal bound trying to test Kieran Macleod early on in the Halkirk Goals. Halkirk as expected controlled the majority of possession but struggled to get a break down the defense with the partnership of Josh Sands & Jack Traynor playing side by side for the first time. Bonar were hit with a blow when Jordon Shaw recieved what could have been a tasty injury in the 20th minute before being replaced by Shaun Anderson in his first call up to the first team. Injuries continued for Bonar with Rory Maclean being replaced in goals by Brandon Smith on the 30th minute.
Bonar continued to fight, and were rewarded on the 32nd minute after a great ball to find Shaun Marshall driving forward before firing into the bottom corner to give the visitors a lead. Halkirk responded with pushing to get an equaliser before half time, but some good save from Brandon & Bonar defending well the scoreline remained in Bonar’s favour. Shaun Marshall had a close effort to double Bonar’s effort on the 37th minute with his shot being just the wrong side of the post. Halkirk got there leveller on the 42nd minute through Mark Munro firing home near post to level the game. Minute later Bonar found themselves staring at going in behind at half time if it wasn’t for Brandon Smith in the Bonar Goal making a great penalty save.
The second half started with Halkirk looking to take control of the game. Bonar’s midfield disrupting the home side playing and the defense soaking up attacks meant the game stayed level for the first 20 minutes of the second half. Halkirk managed to find a breakthrough on the 67th minute through James Mackintosh after the countless attacks eventually paid off. Substitutes made by Halkirk freshened the legs, and they started to control the game. Sean Campbell doubled the advantage on the 75th minute with an excellent goal from the left giving Brandon no chance. Halkirk then showed there ability with another quick fire goal from Mark Munro on the 76th Minute.
The game finished with Bonar holding strong for the final 15 minutes trying to get a way forward. Ally Mackintosh scored a brilliant freekick for the home side on the 87th minute to seal the win for Halkirk.
A good performance from Bonar Bridge for large parts of the game managing to stay level with a very good Halkirk United side.
Final Score Halkirk United FC 5 – 1 Bonar Bridge FC
Thanks to Halkirk United FC for the game and hospitality. All the best for the remainder of the season.
Thanks to Gordon Sparling for the excellent club photography again.
MOTM on the day was Shaun Marshall scoring a great goal to take the lead giving the Halkirk Defense problems throughout the game.
