Deveronvale 3
Wick Academy 2
League

Match Report

Newspaper extract from John o Groat Journal - Fri, Dec 28, 2018..

Assistant manager Richard Hughes says there are “no excuses” after Wick Academy squandered a two-goal half-time lead in defeat to Deveronvale.
A double from the impressive Marc Macgregor had them in control at the break, but they were stunned by two goals in as many minutes early in the second half from Grant Noble and Sam Robertson to see their advantage swiftly wiped out.
Michael Dunn’s late strike, moments after Vale keeper Grant Pennet had made a vital save from Richard Macadie, sealed an unlikely comeback which drops Academy behind their opponents to 10th after an eighth league defeat of the season.
With manager Tom Mckenna absent, it was Hughes who took charge and he spoke of his frustration at the result after such an impressive first-half performance.
“We’re very disappointed after getting the two goals and playing some really nice football in that first half,” he said. “We could have had one or two more as well, to be honest, but we just never took our chances.
“Second half we knew there would be a reaction from them but we couldn’t handle it and, before we knew it, it was 2-2. After that it was quite an even game, but we still were making plenty of chances.
“Their keeper made a great save from Richard and then they went straight down the park and got the winner. Extremely disappointed all round because we should be coming back home with all three points from that.”
The result was doubly disappointing given the Scorries had the rare luxury of travelling with a near full-strength squad, with Jack Halliday and Grant Steven the only players missing. The strength in depth was illustrated by the sight of Macadie and Sam Mackay being named among the substitutes.
“There are no excuses when we’re able to travel down with a quality squad like that and still not get the win,” Hughes said. “We had a very strong squad so we’re expecting the boys that get picked to be playing at 100 per cent because there are guys on the bench ready to step in if not. We’ve been working hard all season and with this team we know we’re capable of better.”
There were words of praise for Macgregor, whose double takes him to eight league goals for the season. “It was a hard shift for him up top against two really tough centre-backs so I’m delighted for him,” Hughes said. “He has put in some good performances this season so it’s nice for him to get the goals for his hard work.
“They were both nice finishes and Davie Allan was on fire to help him out. It’s just a pity we couldn’t have taken more of our chances.”

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