Academy aiming to bounce back in North Cup clash with Invergordon
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Wick Academy will be looking to bounce back from Saturday's heavy defeat at Fraserburgh when they host Invergordon on Wednesday night in the first round of the North of Scotland Cup.
Wick supporters have bad memories of Invergordon's last North Cup visit to Harmsworth Park – in August 2017, when the North Caledonian League side won on penalties after a grim goalless draw.
Gordon Connelly's time as manager came to an end soon afterwards and he was replaced by Tom McKenna the following month.
A lot of players have got 90 minutes under their belt and this group of boys are going to get stronger and fitter and better.
Speaking after Academy's five-goal thumping at Fraserburgh in Saturday's league opener, McKenna said: “I think it’s good that we’ve got a quick turnaround for this game. A lot of players have got 90 minutes under their belt and this group of boys are going to get stronger and fitter and better.
"The lads are all looking forward to Wednesday. We want them to express themselves and enjoy their football, and this a good game to get a reaction.
“Invergordon will be up for it – it’s a big game for them playing a semi-professional football club and they will be trying to get one over on us again.
“If we can win that it’s a possible tie with Brora in the next round.”
The winners of the Academy v Invergordon tie (kick-off 8pm) will meet either Golspie Sutherland or Brora in the quarter-finals on August 21.
Fixtures: Wednesday – North of Scotland Cup: Forres Mechanics v Elgin City; Fort William v Nairn County; Golspie Sutherland v Brora Rangers; Lossiemouth v Inverness Caledonian Thistle; Strathspey Thistle v Clachnacuddin; Wick Academy v Invergordon.
Saturday – Highland League: Brora Rangers v Turriff United; Buckie Thistle v Strathspey Thistle; Clachnacuddin v Keith; Formartine United v Fraserburgh; Fort William v Inverurie Locos; Huntly v Nairn County; Rothes v Forres Mechanics; Wick Academy v Deveronvale.
