In keeping with recent fixtures United made a blistering start to this match Murray released Nichol down the right channel and the striker tricked his way to the bye line before crossing for the inrushing Michael Petrie to net his first competitive goal from close range at the near post. A shell shocked home side were indebted to Allan minutes later when he pulled off a fine block at his near post when Murray burst away from Gunn on the right and drove into the box. The second was only delayed for a few minutes though Harrold picked the ball up on half way and sent a beautiful pass ahead Nichol who weaved his way down the left before sending in a delightful cross to near post where James Murray met the ball and deftly guided the ball across the keeper and into the far corner of the net for a quite superb goal. Halkirk tried to rally but were finding the United rearguard in decent form with Michael Steven marshalling brother Grant and Gary Mackay very well. After 17 minutes it was 3-0 and it was another wonderfully crafted yet simple goal this time Darryn Mackay sent a fine ball down the right for Murray who swept in a super ball to the far post where Nichol picked his spot passed the hopelessly exposed Allan. The United central midfield duo of Lee Sutherland Jamie Mackenzie had the game firmly in a stranglehold and continued to prompt and prod the home defence as it creaked under the pressure of a team in full flow and playing with great confidence and freedom. Mid way through the half it really should have been 4 Nichol’s cross from the left was blocked by the arm of Swanson and referee Jappy had no option but to point to the spot and caution the defender. United’s jinx continued though as Nichol’s tame effort was easily gathered by Allan. The striker just back from a spying mission on the local public houses in Orkney partially made amends on the half hour mark as again he capitalised on indecision in the home defence as they stood and waited for offside he raced in on Allan and side footed the ball passed the keeper. Although Halkirk I am sure will be disappointed at the loss of the goals there was no doubt United were firmly in the zone and playing some impressive football. It was no real surprise that United again struck 5 mins before the break Mackenzie fed Petrie who crossed from the right and Nichol falling back completed a first half hat-trick.
Half time
Halkirk 0-5 Pentland United
It was quite clear United were going to struggle to reach the same heights as the first half through a combination of Halkirk re-grouping and the motivation levels dropping. However to be fair they would go on to continue to hold the upper hand although it was certainly a more competitive second half. United suffered an early setback when Jamie Mackenzie went down with a head knock after a clash with Steven Campbell and had to be replaced by Ross Allan. Slowly though United got back up to speed and ten minutes into the second half they scored again Darryn Mackay cut inside his marker Mackay and found James Murray the striker again showed great feet to step away from his marker and cut the ball back for the inrushing midfielder who rather sclaffed his first effort, which Allan blocked at his near post but the midfielder regained his composure to turn the ball into the net for his first of the season. On the hour mark that man Mackay doubled his seasons tally robbing Matthew Mackay 25 yards from goal he took one stride forward and hit a dipping volley that soared over Allan into the roof of the net. Some what of sweet revenge for the mindless act of vandalism that Matthew had committed on his car in the first period. The game went a little flat then as Halkirk desperately looked for some consolation although Steven Campbell had the ball in the net after 68 mins it was ruled out for an earlier infringement went Michael Steven had been fouled. Less than 5 mins later and United completed their evenings efforts when Ross Allan picked out Darryn Mackay and he swept the ball across goal for Nichol in similar fashion to his 3rd goal falling backwards fired the ball high passed Allan and into the net. James Murray had a great chance to add to his tall moments later again Ross Allan picked out the run of Murray down the left he raced away from Gunn but from the angle he brought out a decent save from Allan at his near post. As stated earlier it was a far more even contest and Halkirk eventually did get their consolation after 80 mins from a swerving Michael Bremner freekick from 25 yards although the animated reaction of the United goalkeeper suggested he was less than pleased with the efforts of his wall. The game continued to ebb and flow but goal scoring chances started to dry up a little and I think everyone was quite happy when referee Jappy called an end to proceedings.
Full time
Halkirk 1-8 Pentland United
- M Gray 2. G Mackay (D Manson 65) 3. L Harrold 4. G Steven 5. M Steven (C) 6. L Sutherland 7. M Petrie 8. J Mackenzie (R Allan 50) 9. M Nichol (R Allan 50) 10. J Murray 11. D Mackay
View from the goal
A superb first half display really enjoyed the way the guys went about their business and took the game to their opponents. We had asked a few things of them before the game and they delivered everything we asked. The second period was always going to be difficult to maintain that level of performance but all the same great team display.