Graeme Watt put the teams into the half-time break all
square. Martin Gunn surrender possession of the ball in mid-field and Mike McKenzie
slid the ball through to Watt and he slammed the ball low under Bokas from 16
yards out.
2 – 2
Half Time 2 – 2
Academy went back into the lead a minute after the re-start.
David Allan burst into the Vale box. Keeper Blanchard seemed to hesitate and by
the time he came for the ball Allan had it at his feet and went to round him.
Blanchard pulled him down and referee Cobb pointed to the spot. Sam Mackay
stepped up and found the net from the spot-kick.
2 – 3
Dean Cowie almost levelled the scores again but for a fine
save by Alan Bokas as he went air-born and tipped the shot around the post.
Academy increased their lead in the 66th minute. Weir was
having a superb game playing a bit deeper behind David Allan and he supplied a great pass for Sam Mackay who in turn fed Allan who took his time and picked his spot from 20 yards out with a
low left foot shot that beat Blanchard.
2 – 4
So game safe with a 2 goal lead, not a chance! Vale showed
their fighting quality and pulled another one back to set up a tense last 15
minutes. Bokas managed to get a block on a shot following a bit of a scramble
in the box and the ball fell for substitute Stephen Gauld and he made no
mistake, scoring from 6 yards out.
3 – 4
Vale threw all they had at Wick for the remainder of the
game and almost earned a point when big Scottie Fraser managed to get his head
to a crossed ball but he couldn't keep it down and it went high of target.
Referee Cobb seemed to play a excessive period of extra time
but the Scorries managed to hold on for a well deserved victory. Gary Weir was
announced as the sponsor man of the match.
Final Score 3 – 4
