Wick Academy U19s v Alness United U19s – Match Report

Wick Academy U19s got their league campaign off to a winning start on Sunday with a hard fought 2-0 victory over a stuffy Alness United.

Wick went in front as early as the first minute when the Alness defenders failed to deal with Craig Henderson’s inswinging corner and Stewart Sinclair headed home from 6 yards.

Wick continued to take the game to their opponents and It came as no surprise when they went 2 up after 11 minutes, when a long through ball deep inside the Alness half from Michael Steven (Joe) was missed by the Alness defenders this allowed striker Andrew Falconer a clear run in on goal to fire a 16 yard right foot shot beyond the advancing Alness keeper into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

Alness slowly got back into the game however they weren’t able to convert the chances that came their way.

Wick’s Michael Steven sustained a nasty bloodied facial wound which required him to leave the field of play to receive treatment from Physio Alan Farquhar.

He managed to return to the field of play after 5 minutes, however the injury was to prevent him from reappearing for the start of the second half.

The second half was a more even match with both teams willing to have a go, however the best chances were to fall to Alness, however like the first half they failed to capitalise on their chances.

Wick’s hard working Andrew Falconer produced a brillant piece of individual footballing skill, when he went on a mazy run that took him past the challenges of five Alness players only for the ball to get caught up inside his foot 16yards from goal with only the keeper to beat thus allowing the Alness defence to recover to get in a challenge to clear their lines.

Alness finished the match the stronger giving Wick Manager David Dunn and his assistant Colin Cormack some nervy moments.

In the end Wick secured the points and can now look forward to their forthcoming derby match against Brora Rangers U19s in Brora with confidence high.