Wick only needed a draw in this match to progress through to the semi-final, but it was Brora that had the better of the first half. Academys best chance came in 24 minutes with Gary Manson blazing high over the bar from short range. Brora then took the lead in 35 minutes when Don MacMillan had made a good save from a Connor Campbell effort to chip him that bounced back off the cross-bar with Mark Kennedy following in to score. MacMillan then had a further two good saves in 40 and 42 minutes to keep Wick in the game at only one goal down at half time.
Alistair Budges team-talk at half time seemed to do the trick though, with Academy looking a better team in the second half. They scored within 1 minute of the re-start with a deflected shot that Jamie Mackenzie took the credit for. Academy continued creating several more good chances with Martin Gunn and Nigel Mackenzie having pops at the Brora goal.
Then in 85 minutes Graeme Reid started a good move up the right wing with the ball finally being slotted though to Gary Farquhar for a well taken finish. Academy rounded of with their third goal this time coming from Nigel Mackenzie having a great run up the left hand side of the park and sending in a good low cross with Gary Farquhar again in position to finish off.
This result sees Wick top their UMAX North Of Scotland cup section with their wins over Golspie and now Brora, and they progress through to the semi-final stages. That game will be played at the Harmsworth Park on the 5th October and Academys opponents will be known after the remaining mid-week fixtures have taken place.
Update – Wick will play Nairn County in the semi-final. Nairn earned their place in the semis after beating Inverness Caledonian Thistle 1-0. The match is scheduled to be played on the 5th of October, but that date has yet to be confirmed.
Update – The semi-final will be played at the Harmsworth park on Tuesday night the 11th October, 8:00pm kick-off.
