Fort William net all three points
Fort William Halkirk North Caledonian League
Another shuffled Fort William FC line up defeated Halkirk FC hook, line and sinker at Claggan Park, writes Peter Newman.
The Anglers made the trip from Caithness with high hopes. They had previously defeated high flying Inverness Athletic and were level in points with their hosts.
The Lochaber men finally welcomed back injured stalwart Darren Quigg, as well as Martin Munro who had been absent through other commitments.
Also returned to the fold was local hero Michael Ellis and versatile defender Lewis Campbell, whose height and athleticism added yet another dimension to the line up.
Veteran local legend Dave Forbes was deployed in a more defensive role, pulling strings with Pirlo-esque aplomb as the opposition looked all at sea, reeling in defenders and unhooking attacking potential.
It took just three minutes for Alan Gray’s men to take the lead. Towering midfielder Andrew McLean nosed ahead of his marker and scored a trademark header to open the scoring.
Playing ambitious
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attacking football on a difficult surface, it remained that way until injury time before the break.
Halkirk levelled the scores through Conor Trueman’s first goal of the season almost on the whistle.
A wide free kick was sent into the box and striker Trueman made no mistake, knocking in at the back post.
Early in the second half, attacking midfielder Asad Ahmed stepped up. His finish proved to be the spur that the team needed to get the tide flowing in the right direction as his finish restored the lead.
Into the final quarter of the match, tricky winger Lerlah Hay scored an exceptional goal.
First, Halkirk were reduced to ten men as their player received a second yellow card. Then, picking up the ball on an angle from 25 yards, the wee man let fly with the outside of his foot leaving the opposition foundering and well and truly on the hook.
Manager Alan Gray said: “A well deserved win in front of our fans.
“It was disappointing to concede just before the break but the lads came out and made our dominance count in the second half.
“Having Darren Quigg back from injury and the addition of Mikey Ellis and Lewis Campbell has bolstered the squad. Whilst our injury list is still lengthy, it is easing week on week.
“Dave Forbes was outstanding in his role as the holding midfielder, whilst Lerlah Hay and Marty Munro caused problems in the wide areas.
“Away from the play on the park it was fantastic to see so many local youngsters coming along to help as ball boys and girls, and to our supporters for cheering the side on.”