Post by Brian Mackay on Dec 3, 2009 19:44:52 GMT -5
Thurso 6 V Bonar Bridge 1 - report by Iain Grant
Thurso stayed six points clear at the top of the PSG North Caley League after an ultimately comfortable victory in the first of back-to-back matches versus Bonar,
They rattled in four goals in the final third of Saturday’s match played on a sticky surface at Sir Georges Park.
After failing to convert a glut of chances, the Vikings seized the initiative as they bagged two goals without reply before the interval.
They then went off the boil as the visitors came back strongly and deservedly got one back seven minutes after the turnaround.
The reverse served to redouble the home team’s effort which brought its reward as Mark Nichol completed a hat-trick, Lee MacDougall converted a classic free-kick and Jamie MacKenzie added to his opening strike.
The pitch was as heavy as it has been all season for the first fixture between the teams.
Thurso were soon manufacturing openings with Nichol unlucky to see a shot rebound back off the inside of a post.
Wayne Monkman failed to exploit two inviting aerial opportunities while Jamie MacKenzie missed a cinch.
Bonar’s defence was riding their luck which ran out when Jamie MacKenzie was on hand to turn in a close-range shot.
The lead was doubled just before the half-hour mark when he wheeled round to connect with a 20 yard volley which scorched high into the net.
From the restart, the Vikings notably eased off and Bonar went on enjoy much more possession and start asking questions of the opposition defence.
Home keeper Michael Gray may not have had to pull off any do-or-die saves but he was relieved several efforts on goal fizz just wide of their target.
Bonar’s bright spell continued after the break and they were decidedly back in the contest after grabbing a goal back.
MacDougall unsuccessfully appealed to have been obstructed in the build-up with Gray and defender Grant Steven on different wavelengths as former Ross County favourite Bily Ferries nipped in behind them to stroke the ball into the unguarded net.
BB’s growing feel-good bubble was punctured within eight minutes.
Nichol and MacDougall appeared to be debating who should take a free-take when the latter ended the argument when he stepped up and curled a 20 yarder into the top, right postage-stamp corner of the net.
Shortly afterwards, Nichol struck again before grabbing his hat-trick when he was put clear down the inside-right corner and he steered his shot just inside the far post.
The scoring was rounded off by Jamie MacKenzie when he stabbed home a corner from the edge of the six yard line.
Vikings manager Stevie Reid was happy enough with the final outcome. He said: “Some of the football we played was excellent, especially as it was very heavy going out there. “Compared to last week (the 2-1 cup defeat by Golspie), it was like night and day though we did take the foot off the gas a bit after we went 2-0 up.
“We kicked on after they scored and overall I was pretty happy with the performance.” The manager singled out midfielders Michael Petrie and Gary MacGregor as well as Nichol whose return to the starting line-up gave the side a better balance.
Reid has challenged his side to win their last two matches before Xmas – Bonar and Invergordon, both away from home.
Nigel Mackenzie is a big doubt for tomorrow after picking up a knee knock in training on Tuesday.
Youngsters Marc Begg and Sean Munro miss out as they prepare for Brora Rangers’ under-19 Scottish Youth Cup clash away to Celtic on Sunday while Shaun Forbes is back offshore.
Thurso are however boosted by the return of striker Martin Sinclair after a thee month absence.
If Migdale Park is unfit for the game, it could be switched to Balintore.
Thurso – Gray, Stewart, Steven, Sinclair, MacDougall, Petrie Monkman (Forbes 82), MacGregor (Begg 75), Nichol, N. MacKenzie (Begg 75), J. MacKenzie. Sub (unused) – Bremner.
Ref – Mr G. John.
Thurso stayed six points clear at the top of the PSG North Caley League after an ultimately comfortable victory in the first of back-to-back matches versus Bonar,
They rattled in four goals in the final third of Saturday’s match played on a sticky surface at Sir Georges Park.
After failing to convert a glut of chances, the Vikings seized the initiative as they bagged two goals without reply before the interval.
They then went off the boil as the visitors came back strongly and deservedly got one back seven minutes after the turnaround.
The reverse served to redouble the home team’s effort which brought its reward as Mark Nichol completed a hat-trick, Lee MacDougall converted a classic free-kick and Jamie MacKenzie added to his opening strike.
The pitch was as heavy as it has been all season for the first fixture between the teams.
Thurso were soon manufacturing openings with Nichol unlucky to see a shot rebound back off the inside of a post.
Wayne Monkman failed to exploit two inviting aerial opportunities while Jamie MacKenzie missed a cinch.
Bonar’s defence was riding their luck which ran out when Jamie MacKenzie was on hand to turn in a close-range shot.
The lead was doubled just before the half-hour mark when he wheeled round to connect with a 20 yard volley which scorched high into the net.
From the restart, the Vikings notably eased off and Bonar went on enjoy much more possession and start asking questions of the opposition defence.
Home keeper Michael Gray may not have had to pull off any do-or-die saves but he was relieved several efforts on goal fizz just wide of their target.
Bonar’s bright spell continued after the break and they were decidedly back in the contest after grabbing a goal back.
MacDougall unsuccessfully appealed to have been obstructed in the build-up with Gray and defender Grant Steven on different wavelengths as former Ross County favourite Bily Ferries nipped in behind them to stroke the ball into the unguarded net.
BB’s growing feel-good bubble was punctured within eight minutes.
Nichol and MacDougall appeared to be debating who should take a free-take when the latter ended the argument when he stepped up and curled a 20 yarder into the top, right postage-stamp corner of the net.
Shortly afterwards, Nichol struck again before grabbing his hat-trick when he was put clear down the inside-right corner and he steered his shot just inside the far post.
The scoring was rounded off by Jamie MacKenzie when he stabbed home a corner from the edge of the six yard line.
Vikings manager Stevie Reid was happy enough with the final outcome. He said: “Some of the football we played was excellent, especially as it was very heavy going out there. “Compared to last week (the 2-1 cup defeat by Golspie), it was like night and day though we did take the foot off the gas a bit after we went 2-0 up.
“We kicked on after they scored and overall I was pretty happy with the performance.” The manager singled out midfielders Michael Petrie and Gary MacGregor as well as Nichol whose return to the starting line-up gave the side a better balance.
Reid has challenged his side to win their last two matches before Xmas – Bonar and Invergordon, both away from home.
Nigel Mackenzie is a big doubt for tomorrow after picking up a knee knock in training on Tuesday.
Youngsters Marc Begg and Sean Munro miss out as they prepare for Brora Rangers’ under-19 Scottish Youth Cup clash away to Celtic on Sunday while Shaun Forbes is back offshore.
Thurso are however boosted by the return of striker Martin Sinclair after a thee month absence.
If Migdale Park is unfit for the game, it could be switched to Balintore.
Thurso – Gray, Stewart, Steven, Sinclair, MacDougall, Petrie Monkman (Forbes 82), MacGregor (Begg 75), Nichol, N. MacKenzie (Begg 75), J. MacKenzie. Sub (unused) – Bremner.
Ref – Mr G. John.