Alway expecting tough test in Halkirk

Orkney Football Club will have to be on guard against a dangerous Halkirk United side this Saturday, according to manager Charlie Alway, as his side prepares for a tough test of their title-challenging credentials.

It is another pivotal clash in Orkney FC’s season, facing the defending North Caledonian League champions on their home turf, a venue where league-leaders Invergordon were beaten 3-2 just two weeks ago. Halkirk have recovered from a poor start to the season to sit in third place, three points behind Orkney on 19 points.

Orkney’s match away to Alness was postponed last weekend due to a waterlogged pitch, meaning Invergordon’s 2-1 victory against Golspie stretched their lead at the top of the table to six points.

Thorfinn Stout is set to miss the clash through injury, but the manager said his side would travel across the Pentland Firth in confidence following a tremendous start to the calendar year.

“We always have really good, high-scoring games against Halkirk,” said Alway, who watched his side beat Halkirk 2-0 earlier in the season.

“Halkirk are a side that can hurt you, but they are also a side that you fancy you can score against as well. I think it makes for potentially a really entertaining game, but a game you’re really not too sure which way it’s going to go. I think it’s going to be an exciting day on Saturday.”

The match is scheduled to kick-off at 2.30pm.