Future looks bright for Inverness Athletic after improved show at Halkirk
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INVERNESS Athletic are in a better place than they have been for some weeks according to manager Jason Golabek.
Despite a narrow 3–2 defeat against North Caledonian League opponents Halkirk United at Morrison Park last Saturday, Athletic put in one of their better displays this season and were unlucky to leave Caithness empty handed.
“We did enough to merit a draw,” said Golabek.
“There was only one team in it in the second half but we got done by a set piece.
“But it was a much better performance, we actually looked like a team.”
Athletic were boosted by the inclusion of four new signings on loan from Nairn County – Seamus McConaghy, Craig Munro, Ryan Macdonald and Jack Maclean.
Both McConaghy and Munro scored on their debuts as the quartet made an impression.
Athletic fell behind in the 14th minute.
James Mackintosh got on the end of a cross to finish from 12 yards.
Athletic were back level just before the half hour when McConaghy scored from distance with a stunning drive.
The home side restored their advantage shortly afterwards when Kyle Henderson found the far corner of the net direct from a free kick.
Athletic looked to be having the better of the second period.
So it came as no surprise when Munro knocked the ball into the net from a McConaghy assist mid-way through the half to make it 2-2.
But a freak own-goal in the 72nd minute, which went into the net off the head of defender Ewan Bradley, sealed Athletic’s fate.
Athletic will be hoping to finally add to their points tally when they travel north to play the North Caledonian League’s bottom club Bonar Bridge on Saturday.
“Bonar are struggling themselves but we need to approach the game in a professional way,” Golabek insisted.
“It’s a game we are looking forward to – we need to go there score a few goals and get the three points.”
In the only other match played last weekend, Golspie Sutherland defeated St Duthus 3-2 at King George V Park thanks to a late winner from Eoghann Davie.
North Caledonian League table and fixtures
