Late equaliser denies Orkney FC winning start

A 94th minute equaliser denied Orkney FC a winning start to their North Caledonian League title defence as they were held 2-2 at home against Thurso.

Thurso’s James Murray struck a double as the Vikings fought back from being behind twice to ensure a share of the spoils in the opening match of the season.

James Pickles marked his return to the club with a raker, sending the ball into the top corner from 35 yards as Orkney took the lead.

Murray punished a mistake by DJ Moffat to level the scores, before Chris Hellewell headed the hosts back in front just after the hour mark.

Orkney couldn’t hold for the three points however, with Murray lashing the ball into the net deep into injury-time.