THEY may form one of the youngest squads in the Highland League, but Davie Kirkwood claims his young guns have come of age.
During his first season in charge, the gaffer believes Wick Academy have become less naive and more solid – leading to the fact they’ve only lost two out of their last 10 games.
The back line of 18-year-old Ross Allan, Grant Steven (19), Michael Steven (21) and Alan Farquhar (23) has been picked out by the manager as one of the club’s biggest improvements since he joined.
Believing they have the ability to form one of the best defences in non-league football, Kirkwood said in the next few seasons Academy won’t just be known for scoring goals.
“They may seem to be inexperienced in terms of age, but they are as knowledgeable as anyone in the Highland League,” he said.
“There is still a lot of improvement to be worked on, but if the guys can maintain the consistency that they have been showing as the season has progressed, we will be a far tougher prospect to score goals against.
“Experienced defenders such as Gary Manson and Shaun Sinclair have done a decent job as well, but the younger guys have really stepped up to the challenge.”
Kirkwood also gave a special mention to Michael Gray who has won many plaudits since re-signing from Thurso FC.
The manager said his experience has helped the defensive line become more solid, adding Gray is a role model at the club to his fellow players.
“To put it plainly, Michael is a grumpy old git, but I want a goalkeeper who is going to shout at his defence if something is wrong. He has a voice that he is not afraid to use and is constantly on the defenders’ case every minute of the game which is something I want other goalkeepers in my squad to do.”
James More is the only absentee in the squad which will travel to take on high-flying Fraserburgh – a side which Kirkwood rates as the most impressive Wick have faced this season.
Since Kris Hunter left Turriff United to take over the reins at Bellslea, The Broch have been unrecognisable from last season, never slipping out of the top five.
Goalkeeper Paul Leask is suspended for the game tomorrow and Jonathan Garden is unavailable due to work commitments.
Despite drifting away from the leading pack as Forres Mechanics and Cove Rangers look set to turn the league into a two-horse race, secretary Finlay Noble said they aren’t prepared to take their foot off the pedal.
“Kris Hunter has done a fantastic job considering he only came into the job two weeks prior to the season,” he said.
“We brought in three new players who have helped gel the squad together and we’ve being performing a lot better than many people expected us to do.
“A late title charge might be beyond our reach but, if we are within three wins of the top spot going into the last three games, you never know.
“It was a big scalp for us to take three points away from Harmsworth Park [in October] as Wick are one of the most dangerous teams in respect that if they keep the ball, they will play you off the park.
“The fact that they have scored as many goals as teams in the top five goes to show that, defensively, they may concede too many goals for their liking, but they are always a threat.”
