Deveronvale 2
Wick Academy 1
League

Match Report

An under-strength Academy side provided a stiff test for title hopefuls Deveronvale before succumbing to a 2-1 defeat at Princess Royal Park.

Shane Sutherland put the Scorries ahead on the stroke of half-time, raising hopes of a first away win of the campaign, but headed goals by Scott Fraser and Mark Chisholm turned the game in Vale’s favour.

Academy went into the match without Sam Mackay, Gary Weir, Craig Shearer, Stevie Cunningham, David Allan and Joe Steven. James More replaced Alan Bokas in goal, while Shaun Sinclair, Gary Manson and Andrew Macleod were also back in the starting line-up.

There was a first start for young Jack Halliday and a recall for David Cowie, who was replaced by Murray Coghill just after the hour mark.

A well-contested first half looked set to end goalless until Academy made the breakthrough in the 45th minute. Bryan McKiddie picked out Sutherland with a fine through ball and the ex-Golspie player took it past James Blanchard before finding the net from a tricky angle.

Half Time 0 - 1

Sutherland came close to doubling Academy’s lead before Vale got themselves level after 62 minutes when a cross from Mark Chisholm was nodded in by Scott Fraser via a post.

There were 11 minutes remaining when the Banff side secured all three points with another header. This time Chisholm got the goal after a delivery from Graeme Rodger.

Full Time 2 - 1

Academy co-manager Ian Munro said he was pleased with the performance, given that so many key players were missing, and he felt that the team’s current league position – 15th – gave a false impression.

“We had six or seven regulars out through injury or illness but I felt we edged the first half and deserved to be in front,” he said. “We knew they would play to their strengths with high balls but we managed to defend until they got the break with their first goal.

“We’re not getting the breaks at the moment but it will turn for us. We believe we’re in a false position.”

Match report written by John Briskham