North Caledonian Cup Final 2021-22 | Official Match Programme

North Caledonian Cup FINAL 2021-22

ST. DUTHUS VS HALKIRK UNITED

OFFICIAL MATCH PROGRAMME

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

North Caledonian Cup FINAL 2021-22

North Caledonian Football Association

ST. DUTHUS VS. HALKIRK UNITED

ADDRESS 54 Culduthel Mains Gardens, Inverness IV2 6RD

DUDGEON PARK, BRORA SATURDAY APRIL 2ND 2022 KICK OFF 3PM

PRESIDENT Iain Whitehead 01431 821247

REFEREE: J NICOLSON ASSISTANT REFEREES: S TAIT & C TAYLOR OBSERVER: B MURRAY

TREASURER Euain Penny 07771 262623 LEAGUE SECRETARY Sandy Stephen 07921 570058

Pl

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Invergordon

19

13

3

3

42

24

+18

42

2

Loch Ness

19

13

1

5

48

25

+23

40

3

Golspie

20

11

5

4

55

27

+28

38

4

HALKIRK

18

12

1

5

54

31

+23

37

5

Orkney

18

11

1

6

40

33

+7

34

EMAIL league@ northcaleyfa.com

6

ST DUTHUS

19

9

4

6

45

39

+6

31

7

Nairn Co.

20

5

0

15

26

57

-31

18*

FACEBOOK /northcaledonianfa

8

Inverness

19

4

3

12

40

51

-11

15

9

Thurso

17

6

0

11

28

39

-11

15*

TWITTER @NorthCaleyFA

10

Alness

18

3

4

11

31

41

-10

13

11

Bonar Bridge

19

3

4

12

19

61

-42

13

ASSISTANT SEC. Niall Harkiss 07527 134574 WEB / SOCIAL MEDIA Brian Mackay

WEBSITE northcaleyfa.co.uk

* Points deducted from Thurso and awarded to Nairn County after Thurso found to have fielded an ineligible player.

Page 3

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

President’s message today.

As always is the case, Dudgeon Park provides an excellent playing surface, so both teams should enjoy the venue and hopefully provide us with an entertaining game of football.

In what has been a very NCFA President Iain Whitehead pictured with competitive the league trophy. season in North Caledonian On behalf of the football, the route to North Caledonian today’s final has seen Football Association both teams negotiating may I firstly extend a some tricky ties, so their warm welcome to all in place in today’s final is attendance at today’s very much deserved.

Pentland Ferries North Today’s finalists are Caledonian Cup Final, very evenly matched here at Dudgeon Park, sides and both come Brora. into this final in fine As always we are form and on the back of delighted to be able excellent recent league to have a cup final at wins last weekend, a Highland Football so to pick a favourite League venue, so we is nearly impossible. are exceedingly grateful The league encounters to Brora Rangers FC for between the finalists allowing us to be here this season have shown Page 4

this closeness between the sides with both games giving us plenty of entertainment and lots of goals. The game in Tain saw the teams battle out a 4-4 draw and the return league game up in Halkirk, it was St. Duthus who edged the win by the odd goal in seven.

Halkirk have got the better of St. Duthus this season by knocking them out of our other cup competition in the first half of this season.

Looking at the 202122 North Caley season overall it has been a very competitive one with all clubs taking points off each other, giving us yet another close title race.

As we go to print we still don’t have a league champion, and Halkirk United who have had a good season to which it has given them an outside chance of claiming the title should they win their remaining league games and results in other games go their way.

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

St.Duthus have had an extremely strong second half to the season and are probably along with Halkirk the form team in the league right now, only a poor start to the season has seen them stay out of the league title race this season.

I will end with some quick notes of thanks that must be given. Firstly to our competition sponsor Pentland Ferries for their generosity and help in assisting all our teams with travel to Orkney throughout the season. Most importantly thanks to our management committee office bearers, namely Sandy Stephen (Secretary), Niall Harkiss (Assistant Secretary) and Euain Penny (Treasurer) for organising today’s final and taking care of all the various league administration that is required in order for us to enjoy North Caledonian football throughout the season.

Finally, thanks to everyone in attendance as not only are you

St. Duthus midfield man Jamie Skinner tussles with Halkirk United forward Jonah Martens.

Pic: James Gunn

supporting your team, but the association as a whole and most importantly by paying your entry fee today we are all supporting worthwhile local charities.

I hope you all enjoy the read of todays programme and most

importantly the match.

No prediction of a winner from me today, but I will take this opportunity to wish both teams the best of luck.

Iain Whitehead President Page 5

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

The Saints’ View

St. Duthus manager Alan Geegan

Page 6

Pic: James Gunn

After the blow of losing some big players last summer, 2021-22 has been yet another rebuilding season for Saints. Our former managers Stuart and Andrew ross brought in some good young talent with the likes of Lewis and Connor Smith, mixed in with the experience of Paul Gair.

Since taking on the role on an interim basis with Justin we looked to put some stability in place, and the response was immediate.

Upon agreeing to take the team permanently we have since set about making the team competitive in the league, climbing the table and hopefully giving some enjoyment back to our supporters, whose support we value dearly.

In that time, we have managed to add Sam Ross and Stuart Mackay to beef up the squad whilst confirming an extended loan deal for Danny Gillan from

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

Inverness Caledonian Thistle to provide competition between the sticks.

To have lost just one game since November shows the significant progress we have made.

But I have been up front from the start on what our objectives are for this season.

Our most realistic chance of winning something this season has been in the cup competitions, so that is what we have targeted.

The boys have done well to get to the North Caledonian Cup final today and we are looking for one last push to win

St. Duthus made it a Caithness conquering double by beating Thurso and Halkirk United on their own turf during 2021-22. Pic: James Gunn

the trophy now.

As good as our result was against Loch Ness on Saturday, Halkirk also got a great result against Invergordon last weekend.

We have played Halkirk three times this season and have won one game each, as well as a draw, so we are expecting a tough game once again.

The match where Halkirk beat us was arguably the best opposition that we have played this season.

They are definitely up there with the best

teams in the league and could still win it.

So, it will be a big ask to win the final, but it is certainly a game we can win.

Ourselves and Halkirk are like for like in terms of form and we almost match each other.

I hope with the backing of our loyal supporters here in Brora, we can have one last big push and give Tain another reason to be proud of their football team.

Alan Geegan St, Duthus FC Team Manager Page 7

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

The Anglers’ View

Halkirk United manager Ewan McIlroy

Page 8

Pic: James Gunn

Hello to everyone ahead of this season’s North Caledonian Cup Final, which is being held at Dudgeon Park in Brora. As this means both clubs will have fans travelling I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable journey to the game, and home again afterwards.

I must begin by congratulating Alan Geegan and all St. Duthus’ staff and players for their strong showing this season. As well as their excellent form in the cup they have also put together an impressive unbeaten run in the league. Our matches against St. Duthus are generally tight, hard-fought affairs and I expect more of the same today. They have our full respect and admiration for their competitive spirit, and are a team clearly heading in the right direction.

Congratulations

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

once again on a great performance this year.

Moving on to ourselves, although our focus remains on the 90 minutes ahead of us I must take a moment to thank all of my players for their efforts this season. They are a fantastic group and I’m proud and privileged to work with them. Their commitment, drive, and desire to improve both as individuals and as a group are inspirational to me.

Reaching two cup finals in one season and our current league position shows the character of this team and that on our day we are a match for anyone. Of course all this does not happen in isolation.

The hard work done behind the scenes by the Halkirk United committee, the staff and the volunteers who willingly give up their free time allows the club to enjoy days like today, and for that we are incredibly grateful.

The contributions of all involved in our club play a part in any success we enjoy – hopefully we can

Halkirk United overwhelmed St. Duthus in the Football Times Cup earlier this season.

Pic: Scott Macdonald

thank them for their remarkable efforts by giving them and our supporters something to cheer about at fulltime!

I’d also like to thank the sponsors Pentland Ferries for their support of the North Caledonian Cup, their backing of football in the Highlands is vital to its growth and

improvement and is appreciated by all involved in the North Caledonian League.

I hope both sets of supporters enjoy their day out and the teams give us all a final to remember.

Ewan McIlroy Halkirk United FC Team Manager

Page 9

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

ROUTE TO THE FINAL FIRST ROUND 5 February 2022 Inverness Royal Academy 3G INVERNESS ATHLETIC 1 Liam Symonds 75 ST DUTHUS 2 Ben Bruce 38 Stuart Mackay 59

FIRST ROUND 12 February 2022 Morrison Park, Halkirk HALKIRK UNITED 3 Ryan Sutherland 15 Jonah Martens 43, pen 79 INVERGORDON 1 Stuart Leslie 90+4

QUARTER FINAL

QUARTER FINAL

12 February 2022 Grant Park, Tain

26 February 2022 Morrison Park, Halkirk

ST DUTHUS 2 Ben Bruce 32, 73

HALKIRK UNITED 4 Grant Macnab 22 Stewart Atkins 28 Kyle Henderson 52, 73

ORKNEY 0 SEMI FINAL 5 March 2022 Nairn Academy 3G NAIRN COUNTY RES. 1 Grant Hogg 56 ST DUTHUS 2 Jamie Skinner 41 Jake Lockett 51

ALNESS UNITED 1 Michael Mckenzie pen 57 SEMI FINAL 5 March 2022 King George V Park, Golspie GOLSPIE SUTHERLAND 0 HALKIRK UNITED 3 Kyle Henderson 41 Jonah Martens 76, pen 90+2

Page 11

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

ST. DUTHUS 2021-22 APPS

GLS

10 (3)

1

Johnny ALLAN

9

0

Finn AS-CHAINEY

21

7

Ben BRUCE

19

14

Billy CAIRNS

6 (5)

2

Keir CARSON

(2)

0

Daniel CHRISTIE

14

4

Caillean EAGLESHAM

3 (3)

0

Paul GAIR

15 (2)

1

Alan GEEGAN

3 (4)

0

Danny GILLAN

9

0

Daniel HUTCHISON

(4)

0

Barry KENNY

5 (2)

1

Jake LOCKETT

21

13

James MACKAY

10 (3)

0

Stuart MACKAY

1 (3)

1

Kyle MACKENZIE

5 (8)

1

Gary MILLARD

11 (5)

0

Ryan RENWICK

3

0

Justin ROGERS

1 (2)

0

Sam ROSS

5 (5)

0

Will ROSS

5 (4)

1

Jamie SKINNER

13

2

John SKINNER

23

0

Connor SMITH

4

0

Lewis SMITH

10 (4)

0

Ross TOKELY

10

1

Adrian VOIGT

3 (10)

0

Adam ALLAN

Page 12

Will Ross congratulates Finn As-Chainey on notching a hat-trick against Loch Ness last week.

Pic: Graeme Webster

* Players with only one appearance not listed.

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

CLUB FACTFILE Club name:

St. Duthus F.C.

Ground: Grant Park Tain Nickname:

The Saints

Manager:

Alan Geegan

Joined NCFA: 1971 League pos.

6th

North Caledonian Cup wins (6): 1924-25, 1978-79, 1983-84, 198687, 1989-90, 2017-18 BELOW: Defender Duncan Davidson scored his first for the club away to Thurso.

LEFT: Goalkeeper John Allan has kept two clean sheets in 9 games.

Pics: James Gunn

Page 13

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

HALKIRK UNITED 2021-22 APPS

GLS

Stewart ATKINS

3 (5)

2

Sam BARCLAY

8 (12)

2

Hasheem BREMNER

13 (5)

1

John BUDGE

4

1

Kai CAMERON

(4)

0

Korbyn CAMERON

14 (3)

2

Stuart CAMPBELL

12 (5)

0

Gordon CLARK

2

0

Marc COGHILL

4 (2)

0

Chrissy GREEN

6 (2)

0

Adam GUNN

(9)

0

Kyle HENDERSON

20

9

Colin HENSTRIDGE

10 (4)

1

Jordan HOWDEN

(4)

0

Mackensie JACKSON

(2)

0

Andrew MACKAY

19

9

Cameron MACKAY

(3)

0

1 (5)

0

(2)

0

Murray MACKAY Ross MACKAY Alasdair MACKINTOSH

(2)

0

James MACKINTOSH

18 (1)

7

Graham MACNAB

4 (1)

3

Grant MACNAB

19

10

Jonah MARTENS

23

25

Kieron MCLEOD

22

0

Euan MUNRO

(3)

0

Aidan REID

22

2

Bryan REID

20 (1)

1

Ian ROSS

4 (9)

0

Kyle ROSS

5

0

Ryan SUTHERLAND

17

1

Ryan A SUTHERLAND

2

0

Page 14

James Mackintosh congratulates goalgetter Grant Macnab. The striker has scored 10 goals this season.

Pic: Scott Macdonald

* Players with only one appearance not listed.

ABOVE: Halkirk United players celebrate a goal.

RIGHT: Goalscorer Jonah Martens is the club’s most prolific striker with 25 goals in 23 games.

Pics: James Gunn

CLUB FACTFILE Club name:

Halkirk United F.C.

Ground: Morrison Park Halkirk Nickname:

The Anglers

Manager:

Ewan McIlroy

Joined NCFA: 1993 League pos.

4th

North Caledonian Cup wins (3): 2005-06, 2008-09, 2011-12

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

Saints catch Pals to win first North Cup in 1925

Players and supporters gather for a team photograph after their success at Thistle Park, Inverness.

Pic: Tain & District Museum

The year was 1925.

The stage was set at Thistle Park in Inverness - home of the former Highland League giants of the same name.

Dominating the ‘junior’ scene in the North was Inverness side CatchMy-Pal FC, named so after the protestant led anti-alcohol movement and mutual aid sobriety programme which had several clubs and organisations in place across the country.

Page 16

The football team in Inverness was made up of members of the temperance movement and they quickly became a force in the area.

Catch-My-Pal had already won the North of Scotland Junior League, known today as the North Caledonian League, beating off competiton from around the Ross and Inverness area, along with several second string sides from the

Highland League.

Their opposition - a lesser known Rossshire Junior League side named St. Duthus FC from Tain.

St. Duthus had never competed in the North of Scotland ‘Juniors’, opting instead to compete in their local league. To have reached the final of a competition such as this was a huge achievement for the club at the time.

At a cost of 12s 6d,

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

St. Duthus entered the North of Scotland Cup as guests in 1924-25, and advancing past local rivals Alness United in the first round with a 3-2 win, they got off to a good start.

Hugh Macleod, a future amateur Scotland internationalist, turned the game around for the Tain men with a stunning 25 yard strike before a double from Reid secured the win.

In the second round, Tain surprised everyone with a win against trophy favourites Dingwall Victoria United, who just four years later would become known as Ross County.

In the first weekend of May, St. Duthus flew the flag for Ross-shire as the only team left from the county in the semifinals of the North Cup. Their opponents, Loco Rangers, were another side from Inverness, and one who were expected to provide stiff competition, but Saints confidently disposed of them by 5 goals to 2, advancing to the final where the ‘Pals’ lay in wait.

Between the semi and the final, Saints had the matter of the local Pattison Cup Final to settle, against neighbours Invergordon.

A 3-1 win secured their home cup with a near perfect performance, serving as the perfect warm up for the ‘big one’ on May 22, 1925.

The teams lined up as follows: St. Duthus - Ross, W Macleod, Macdonald, MacTavish, A Macleod, Taylor, Mackay, Vine, Dunnett, H Macleod, Macrae Catch-My-Pal Henderson, Calder, Forbes, Stewart, Clark, Cameron, Mackenzie, Robertson, Fraser, Davidson, Stevenson An early goal for Tain from Vine sparked a response from the Inverness men and they quickly responded from a free kick, scored by Mackenzie.

Hugh Macleod, the star player for the Saints, wasn’t to be undone though, and midway through the half, he scored a stunning strike to retake the lead.

Macleod, just a

teenager, was destined to leave Saints shortly after the season ended, to sign for Queen’s Park.

He had a chance to extend the lead from the penalty spot in the second half, but fired wide - but Saints finished strongly and as the referee’s whistle blew for time, the visiting support rejoiced as witnesses to their club’s moment of unprecedented success.

A week later, the team and its followers gathered in Fraser’s Temperance Hotel, where, quite fittingly, club president, the Count de Serra Largo applauded the team on its achievements.

The Count provided an “excellent” end of season dinner before a smoking concert commenced in celebration of the club’s greatest season.

In addition, gold plated winners’ badges were issued to the players for their victory in the Pattisons’ Challenge Cup, before the Count toasted the players on their North of Scotland Cup success.

Page 17

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

Sutherland brace secures North Cup for Anglers A brace from Chris Sutherland overhauled Shane Sutherland’s early opener at Brora’s Dudgeon Park on to secure Halkirk United their third North Cup win in 2011.

The teams on the day lined up as follows: Golspie Sutherland Robertson, J. Sutherland, Duncan, Stone, McKernie (Thomson 27), Christie, Smith, Campbell (A. Sutherland 71), Kerr, Black, S. Sutherland Subs not used: MacGregor and Morris Halkirk United Williamson, G. Sinclair, Florence, A. Sinclair, Davidson, Henderson (Halliday 86), Larnach, Bremner (Cook 73), Sutherland (Banks 86), MacNab, MacKenzie Subs not used: Howden and C. Sinclair The game was peppered with flash points, which led to referee Graham Elder flourishing cards like Page 18

a Vegas high roller.

Nine players received cautions, with Golspie striker Gary Black’s second booking on 69 minutes leaving his side shorthanded.

It was United who carved out the first openings. First, Colin Davidson’s sliderule pass had Chris Sutherland romping free down the right with the inrushing Grant MacNab inches away from connecting with the ensuing centre.

MacNab then had the ball nicked from under his boot as he shaped to shoot on the edge of the sixyard box.

Golspie’s ninth-minute breakthrough was simplicity personified, with Blair Duncan’s long throw inviting Shane Sutherland’s eight-yard header which left keeper Graeme Williamson clutching thin air.

Nine minutes from the turnaround, a sparky break from United’s Stuart Florence released

Chris Sutherland whose run-in with keeper Grant Robertson was halted by a marginal offside decision.

Florence then opened the way for MacNab to step past defender Chris Stone and advance on Robertson, only for a heavy touch to allow the latter to make a block. Golspie’s lead continued to come under threat after the break when they were faced with opponents who started to display the form which had seen them rattle off seven victories on the spin.

The equaliser arrived on 54 minutes after a concerted attack. Efforts

by MacNab and Gavin Henderson were kept out as Golspie appeared to have weathered the storm. But Duncan’s miskicked clearance landed perfectly for Chris Sutherland to gather six yards out before tucking the ball wide of Robertson. Nigel

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

The victorious Halkirk United side following their 2-1 win over Golspie Sutherland at Dudgeon Park in November 2011.

Pic: James Gunn

MacKenzie then let fly from 30 yards with his shot producing a spectacular one-handed stop from Robertson.

What proved the winner arrived on 58 minutes when Henderson’s glancing header from Larnach’s corner found Chris Sutherland whose shot fizzed high into the net. There followed a fractious 20 minutes when half-a-dozen players fell foul of Mr Elder.

Black’s second yellow for his ugly challenge on Henderson lengthened the odds on his side’s prospects of making up the leeway. Robertson

kept their hopes alive when he blocked a stinging, angled shot from Larnach on 70 minutes.

The Sutherland side was by no means dead and came close to an equaliser with an action replay of its opener.

Duncan’s long throw this time invited a hook shot from Shane Sutherland, which flew just wide.

United responded with a high tempo counter five minutes from time when Florence’s overlapping run down the left flank carved an opening for MacNab. Once again, Robertson was equal to the striker’s

swerving drive from the left edge of the penalty box. United’s camp had to survive several nervy moments before it could celebrate victory.

Mr Elder saw nothing amiss when Florence clattered into the advancing Shane Sutherland near the penalty spot and then Duncan sent a looping header just over.

After Christie had collected the manof-the-match trophy, United skipper Alan Sinclair stepped forward to pick up the North Caledonian Cup. Report by Iain Grant, John o’Groat Journal Page 19

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

Past winners 1887-present 1887-88 1888–89 1889–90 1890–91 1891–92 1892–93 1893–94 1894–95 1895–96 1896–97 1897–98 1898–99 1899–00 1900–01 1901–02 1902–03 1903–04 1904–05 1905–06 1906–07 1907–08 1908–09 1909–10 1910–11 1911–12 1912–13 1913–14 1914–19 1919–20 1920–21 1921–22 1922–23 1923–24 1924–25 1925–26 1926–27 1927–28 1928–29 1929–30 1930–31 1931–32 1932–33 Page 20

Crusaders Cameron Highlanders Union ‘A’ Inverness Thistle ‘A’ Crown Strollers Caledonian ‘A’ Inverness Thistle ‘A’ Caledonian ‘A’ Caledonian ‘A’ Inverness Citadel ‘A’ Inverness Citadel ‘A’ Heatherley Caledonian ‘A’ Inverness Thistle ‘A’ Clachnacuddin ‘A’ Dingwall Victoria United Dingwall Victoria United Caledonian ‘A’ Caledonian ‘A’ Caledonian ‘A’ Nelson Clachnacuddin ‘A’ Inverness Thistle ‘A’ Grantown Athletic Bishopmill Not played Albert No competition Clachnacuddin ‘A’ Inverness Citadel ‘A’ Caledonian ‘A’ Clachnacuddin ‘A’ Fortrose Union St. Duthus Inverness Thistle ‘A’ Cameron Highlanders Dingwall Victoria United Nelson Clachnacuddin ‘A’ Inverness Thistle ‘A’ Inverness Thistle ‘A’ Nelson

1933–34 1934–35 1935–36 1936–37 1937–38 1938–39 1939–46 1946–47 1947–48 1948–49 1949–50 1950–51 1951–52 1952–53 1953–54 1954–55 1955–56 1956–57 1957–58 1958–59 1959–60 1960–61 1961–62 1962–63 1963–64 1964–65 1965–66 1966–67 1967–68 1968–69 1969–70 1970–71 1971–72 1972–73 1973–74 1974–75 1975–76 1976–77 1977–78 1978–79 1979–80

Muir of Ord Rovers Muir of Ord Rovers Nelson Clachnacuddin ‘A’ No competition Highland Light Infantry No competition Ross County ‘A’ Caledonian ‘A’ Caledonian ‘A’ Clachnacuddin ‘A’ Ross County ‘A’ Loco Rangers Nelson Nelson Nairn County ‘A’ Clachnacuddin ‘A’ Clachnacuddin ‘A’ Clachnacuddin ‘A’ Ross County ‘A’ Caledonian ‘A’ Clachnacuddin ‘A’ No competition Clachnacuddin ‘A’ Clachnacuddin ‘A’ Brora Rangers ‘A’ Caledonian ‘A’ Black Rock Rovers Muir of Ord Rovers Golspie Sutherland Ross County ‘A’ Caledonian ‘A’ Bunillidh Thistle Ross County ‘A’ Alness United Golspie Sutherland Golspie Sutherland Dingwall Thistle Bonar Bridge Tain St. Duthus Wick Academy

1980–81 1981–82 1982–83 1983–84 1984–85 1985–86 1986–87 1987–88 1988–89 1989–90 1990–91 1991–92 1992–93 1993–94 1994–95 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–00 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21

Wick Academy Bunillidh Thistle Muir of Ord Rovers Tain St. Duthus Balintore Wick Academy Tain St. Duthus Invergordon Caledonian ‘A’ Tain St. Duthus Caledonian ‘A’ Clachnacuddin ‘A’ Ross County ‘A’ Bonar Bridge Clachnacuddin ‘A’ Fearn Thistle Balintore Balintore Caledonian Thistle ‘A’ Alness United Golspie Sutherland Thurso Golspie Sutherland Thurso Balintore Halkirk United Inverness City Golspie Sutherland Halkirk United Muir of Ord Rovers Thurso Halkirk United Muir of Ord Rovers Alness United Lewis & Harris Golspie Sutherland Golspie Sutherland St. Duthus Invergordon Not completed Not completed

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

Football Times Cup 2021-22

Thurso and Halkirk United contested the Football Times Cup Final on November 20, 2021.

Ten-man Thurso lifted the first silverware of the North Caledonian season as they overcame local rivals Halkirk United on penalties in the Football Times Cup final at Harmsworth Park in Wick.

A hard-fought contest at Harmsworth Park finished 2-2 after 90 minutes and the Vikings won 3-2 in the shoot-out, with keeper Asa Sinclair emerging as the hero as he saved two of the Anglers’ spot-kicks.

LEFT: Thurso captain James McLean with league secretary Sandy Stephen Pics: James Gunn Page 21

North Caledonian Cup Final 2022

North Caledonian Cup Final Today’s Squads ST. DUTHUS F.C. Adam ALLAN Johnny ALLAN Finn AS-CHAINEY Ben BRUCE Billy CAIRNS Daniel CHRISTIE Duncan DAVIDSON Caillean EAGLESHAM Paul GAIR Alan GEEGAN Danny GILLAN

Stewart ATKINS Sam BARCLAY Hasheem BREMNER John BUDGE Kai CAMERON Korbyn CAMERON Stuart CAMPBELL James COGHILL Marc COGHILL Adam GUNN Kyle HENDERSON

Barry KENNY

Colin HENSTRIDGE

Aneek KHAN

Jordan HOWDEN

Jake LOCKETT

Andrew MACKAY

James MACKAY Stuart MACKAY

Cameron MACKAY Murray MACKAY

Alex MACKENZIE

Alasdair MACKINTOSH

Kyle MACKENZIE

James MACKINTOSH

Gary MILLARD Justin ROGERS

Graham MACNAB Grant MACNAB

Sam ROSS

Jonah MARTENS

Will ROSS

Kieron MCLEOD

Jamie SKINNER

Euan MUNRO

John SKINNER

Aidan REID

Connor SMITH

Bryan REID

Lewis SMITH Harry SPENCE Ross TOKELY Adrian VOIGT Page 22

HALKIRK UNITED F.C.

Ian ROSS Kyle ROSS Ryan SUTHERLAND Ryan A SUTHERLAND