While Wick
Academy's footballers
prepare for their big match in the North Cup Final against Forres Mechanics at
Brora, an army of supporters is also preparing to make the comparatively short
journey over the Ord to cheer on their favourites. Wick taxi boss Johnny
Robertson has arranged four buses which are pretty well filled though anyone
hoping to travel in this way might just lucky enough to pick up a cancellation (605041).
Hundreds more fans will be joining the exodus by car, train and service bus. It
is anticipated that a number of ex-pat Academy fans will arrive at Dudgeon Park from the opposite direction. About
300 Forres fans are also expected to attend the game. North of Scotland FA
President Rob Murray confirmed, "We are hoping for a total crowd of more than a
thousand".
The sale of tickets has been going well with close 200 sold
by midday on Wednesday.
Tickets remain on sale at J Gunn & Co in Bridge Street and The Flower Patch, River Street during
normal shop hours until 11 am on Saturday.
and if all goes well could be the biggest in our club's long history. We would
like to thank all the fans whose support has helped the team make it to this
Final and we respectfully remind them that they, like the players and committee,
are ambassadors for the club the town and the county. We ask that you arrive in
good time for the three o'clock
kick off, being aware that the North of Scotland FA anticipates a crowd of at
least a thousand. The hosts Brora Rangers FC will provide the stewards and our
fans must obey their instructions and those of any police officers who may be
on duty, for example in regard to which part of the ground to occupy to allow
for segregation from the 300 or so Forres fans. Please stay behind the barriers
at all times. Our message is: Have a good day, support your team and enjoy the
occasion.
The Cup Final is also a first for the host club, Brora
Rangers. Although the club has hosted several Highland Amateur Cup Finals and a
semi pro international this will the first time a North Cup Final has been
staged at Dudgeon
Park. A Brora spokesman
yesterday stressed that it is in fans' own interest to buy tickets beforehand
to ensure speedy entry to the ground. "It's no use turning up without a ticket
at five to three expecting to walk straight in.
It is understood that the law for all big football matches
will be strictly applied for the Final. Alcohol is not allowed on buses nor
inside the ground. The Brora spokesman continued, "Stewards and police will be
on duty, bags will be searched and anyone with cans or bottles or under the
influence of alcohol will be refused entry. The two sets of supporters will be
segregated with Wick fans occupying the town end and the enclosure opposite the
main stand. We will do our best to ensure that everyone enjoys their visit to Dudgeon Park and have arranged extra catering
for inside the ground. Have a fantastic day but ARRIVE EARLY!"
Message from The Chairman:
Tomorrow's Cup Final is the biggest day for Wick Academy since joing the
Highland League and I am sure our team will put on a performance on
the park for us all to be proud of. I have just been informed by a North
of Scotland FA Official that there will be a big police presence at
Dudgeon Park along with their mobile police unit. They will be stopping
and searching people approaching the ground and if found to have alcohol
with them they will deal with that. They will also not allow cans or
bottle including soft drinks to be carried in the vicinity of the
ground. Anyone under the influence of drink will not be allowed
admission to the ground.
They have also advised that they may stop and search bus coming to the
match for alcohol.
The stewarding is being done by an outside professional company and they
will adhere to the law.
We must thank Brora Ranger FC for kindly offering to host this final and
let us make it a day to remember for all the right reasons.
Colin Stewart
