Wick started the match well and looked very lively up front, but Locos, even without their cup game hat-trick hero Stuart Mackay, didn’t take long to get back into the scoring grove. In 19 minutes Gary Manson gave the ball away just outside his own box, and Locos capitalised with a goal from Neil MacLean. Then in 24 minutes Richard Singer cut through the Academy defence and scored a well taken goal. Half time 0-2.
Alistair Budge made 2 substitutions for the start of the second half, with Paul McCallum and Gavin Henderson coming on for Gary Manson and Martin MacGregor. These changes did seem to shore up the Academy defence and midfield, but the game went out-with their reach when Mark Simpson scored with a good header from a corner in 77 minutes. Academy manager Alistair Budge made one final change in 85 minutes bringing on Scott Mackay-Steven for Gary Farquhar, but a strong and well-organised Locos take all 3 points.
Academy must not be too despondent, as they were beaten by a good Locos side, and hopefully they can bounce back for Wicks re-arranged cup game away to Brora next Saturday. Full match report here.
Match sponsor Sinclair Windows
Sponsors man of the match Locos Thomas Wilson receives his award from John Sinclair
