Fraserburgh 4
Wick Academy 1
HL Cup (1st Round)

Match Report

Academy take on the current cup holders at the Broch today. Academy have David Mowat and Andrew MacLeod missing, but Alex Lamb makes a welcome return to the squad. Young keeper Graham Williamson also makes his first appearance on the Academy bench.

Early on in the match James More is called into action to make a good save, but Academy have a better chance when Richard Macadie bursts into the Fraserburgh box and squared to Shane Sutherland, but a Fraserburgh defender intercepted the ball.

8th minute and following a good passing move Gary Manson is brought down 25 yards from goal. Gary Farquhar took the free kick which hit the wall, and both he and Manson have powerful shots cleare by diving defenders.

Academy had a good 20 minutes spell in the game, but unfortunately couldn't capitalise from it.

Fraserburgh take the lead in the 22nd minute. A break down the right sent Hale free, and from the corner of the box he drilled the ball home low past More into the bottom corner.

1 - 0

In the 30th minute Graham Wemyss broke into the Academy box and More dived at his feet to collect the ball. The ball went one way, and Wemyss went the other, and referee Mackay booked Wemyss for diving.

Broch double their lead in the 32nd minute when referee Makay awards a dubious penalty, Stewart Ross being penalised for a block on Hale. Hale score his second of the game from the spot kick, sending More the wrong way.

2 - 0

Academy have had 3 good chances with Shane Sutherland and Weir, but all 3 shots are wide of target and don't trouble keeper Gordon.

Fraserburgh go 3 up in the last minute of the first half. Main broke through the Academy defence and fired home from the left side of the penalty box.

Half Time 3 - 0

5 minutes into the second half and Hale almost got his hat-trick, hitting the post from a powerful shot.

55 minutes and West also goes close, sending a flashing header just past Mores post.

With an hour gone it's Academy's turn to hit the post. Shane Sutherland slipped Macadie into a good position 15 yards from goal, and even though surrounded by 4 defenders Macadie got in a left foot shot that beat keeper Gordon, but cannoned off his post.

Academy then have two further good chances in the 66th and 67th minute. Shane Sutherland first shooting over from close range after a good inter-changing move with Macadie, and then Macdie heading over the top from a corner kick.

With 15 minutes left in the game Shane Sutherland gives Academy a life-line as he manages to pull a goal back. A real melee in the Fraserburgh box from a Gary Farquhar free-kick which was drilled into the box by David Cowie, and Shane was on hand to slot home from 8 yards.

3 - 1

5 minutes later and Fraserburgh restore their 3 goal advantage. They force 3 corners in the space of as many minutes, and from their 3rd corner Christie rose unchallanged to head home.

4 - 1

In the 86th minute More pulls off a wonder diving save to deny Neil McLaren.

Full Time 4 - 1

Match report written by Ken Wood