Academy face up to ‘do or die’ match
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THE Grand National takes place at Aintree on Saturday but the only race in which local football fans will be interested is the Highland League as the main runners and riders enter the home straight.
Second placed Wick Academy are looking to overcome the hurdle of league leaders Cove Rangers, knowing that defeat would ultimately lead them to fall at the final fences. But three points and maintaining their 100 per cent record at Harmsworth Park would mean a sprint to the line that could result in a photo finish on the final day of the season.
Clachnacuddin, Formartine and Nairn County all have short-priced odds of lifting the trophy in May but manager Barry Wilson said his side cannot afford any more slip-ups.
With five of their last seven games at home, he said the championship is still within their grasp and that the Harmsworth Park factor could be the difference.
"Having five games still to play at home is definitely a huge advantage for us. If we win all five and pick up something from trips to Fraserburgh and Inverurie, we will come close," he said. "But nobody will give you a league championship, Cove are in a strong position and are the form team in the league at the moment. They will see a win in Wick as a huge step towards clinching the title and it is probably the biggest game of the season.
"Without being overdramatic, it is do or die. If we lose, Cove have a seven point lead over us so it is important we win if we still want to have a say."
Injuries and suspensions in recent weeks have played a part in Academy dropping points according to their manager, who will
be looking to strengthen his squad next season.
Lukasz Geruzel is currently holding talks with the club about signing a professional contract, with strong rumours that Brora Rangers are interested in the Pole. Wilson is keen to keep hold of him and to add another striker in time for the start of the next campaign.
"Lukasz has been out of the last few games and we have really missed his presence on the field, but Gary Weir has done well by getting a few goals," he said.
"Ideally I’d want a third striker to come on board, Davie Allan and Richard Macadie can play up front, but they are more suited to attacking midfield.
"Alan Farquhar is still coming back from injury and has not reached full fitness so I will be looking to bring in another centre-half to add strength to the back."
Wilson added: "Michael Gray has also still to decide about his future next season, so I may need another goalkeeper."
Cove manager Kevin Tindal said a win against Wick would put them in a commanding position over their rivals but said he was not underestimating the challenge this weekend.
He believed five teams could still win the league and predicted the championship would be decided on the final day of the season.
" I am only looking at one game at a time, but also looking to win each game as the league is very close this year," he said.
"We are hitting some decent form and with eight games to go, it is vital that we are playing well.
"The teams who are battling it out at the top deserve to be there and any one of five teams could still win it, but it will be the last day of the season before we know who that is."
