| 12th January 2019 – Breedon Scottish Highland Football League | |
| Clachnacuddin FC | 1 (Kieran Chalmers 11) |
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Subs: Ian Penwright, James Beeston, Paul Smith, Ross Mackillop, Ross Logan, Thomas Mcinnes, William Ridgers. |
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| Wick Academy FC |
3 (Michael Steven 57, Jack Halliday 65, Gordon MacNab 75) |
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Subs: Gordon MacNab, Grant Aitkenhead, Grant McNab, Mark Macadie, Alan Hughes, Gordon Clark. |
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| Referee: | Paual McAvinue |
| Bookings: | Jack Henry (48) Michael Finnis (49) John MacAskill (49) |
| Sponsors Man of the Match: | |
| Match Photos – Mel & Bob Roger | Match Photos |
, Sean Webb, Martin Macdonald, Ryan Mackintosh, Blair Lawrie, John MacAskill
Team: Sean McCarthy, Michael Steven, Andrew Hardwick, Gary Manson, Sam Mackay, Jack Henry“We rolled up our sleeves and battered out a result” was Wick Academy boss Tom McKenna’s verdict after the 3-1 victory at Clachnacuddin on Saturday.
Goals from Michael Steven, Jack Halliday and Gordon MacNab completed a second-half come-back for the Scorries after Clach led 1-0 at the interval courtesy of Kieran Chalmers.
The windy conditions at Grant Street Park ensured this wasn’t one for the purists. However, Wick adapted and ground out a win that finally arrested their festive drop in form.
McKenna said: “Over the Christmas and new year period we only took one point from three games. That is unacceptable, no matter what level of football you play at.
“Although we try to play good, attractive football, this one was about rolling up our sleeves and battering out a result.
“We had to make a few adjustments. Sam Mackay had to fill in at right-back, despite being a mid-fielder, while Michael Steven and Andrew Hardwick paired up in the centre of defence for the first time in my spell at the club.
“It was good to see Sam get 90 minutes as he’s missed a few games due to his work commitments. Despite a wee bit of naivety, with playing out of position, he put in a really good shift.”
Clach took the lead when playing against the wind and Wick found the so-called weather help to be a hindrance in the first half.
McKenna said: “We were playing far too many long balls that were blown into touch instead of reaching one of the lads.
“At half time, I told the boys that we can make playing against the wind in the second half an advantage. We pulled the ball on the deck and the winds would hold the ball up for us. It’s just a matter of being clever in dealing with the conditions. And it worked.”
Match report written by Caithness Courier – Wed, Jan 16, 2019.
