Clach started to get some good possession of the ball and
looked as if they were going to convert, but calm play by Academy saw them make
their way up-field and they won 2 or 3 corners on the spin to release the
pressure to go into the half-time break with a single goal advantage.
Half Time – Wick Academy 1 – Clachnacuddin 0
Andrew Skinner and Ryan Watson had early pots at goal to begin
the second half but neither managed to test McCarthy.
On 50 minutes Academy came close again. Mackay dinked the
ball into the box for Macadie who let fly with a right foot shot that smashed
off Ridger's left hand post.
Academy started to turn the screw and were rewarded with
another goal. Ross Allan pushed up the left flank beating several challenges before
delivering into the middle of the box. Weir was on-hand and fired the ball
against keeper Ridgers but Ross Allan followed in and smashed home the re-bound.
2 – 0
Academy were looking comfortable but Clach pulled themselves
right back into the game under the strangest of circumstances. The near-side assistant
flagged for an Academy foul on the half-way line but referee Elder let play
continue and Ryan Watson broke down the wing before delivering an inch-perfect
cross for Daniel McLennan and he fired home from 4 yards out. The assistant
kept his flag up and the referee went over to him and after a brief discussion
the goal stood.
2 – 1
McCarthy was sharp as Clach went on the hunt for an
equaliser and he did well to tip a dipping shot over his cross-bar.
Academy restored their 2 goal advantage in the next attack.
Davie Allan's blistering pace took him to the bye-line and he cut the ball back
to his brother Ross who sweep it home from close range for his second goal of
the game.
3 – 1
Substitute Neil MacDonald had a shot that was just wide of
target and Geruzel also scuffed a Davie Allan cross wide of target.
In the last minute Clach were awarded another controversial
goal. Alan Farquhar slid in and looked to have won the ball cleanly off the
toes of a Clach substitute trialist. Despite the Academy protests referee Elder
awarded Clach a penalty that Andrew Skinner converted.
3 – 2
With time running out for the visitors the referee blew for
the end of the game and Academy picked up another valuable three points.
Full Time – Wick Academy 3 – Clachnacuddin 2
