Academy grit frustrates Brora in north derby
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Wick Academy 0 Brora Rangers 0
A gutsy display backed up by a fine performance from goalkeeper Sean McCarthy earned Wick Academy a point against north rivals Brora on Wednesday night.
The Sutherland side made much of the running at Harmsworth Park but were continually frustrated in their efforts – something that boiled over with 20 minutes left as Brora were reduced to 10 men following Ally Macdonald’s sending off for a second yellow card.
If Wick’s plan was to stifle their opponents, it worked a treat – and even when Brora did breach their lines, McCarthy as the last line of defence was on hand to thwart them.
Brora went into the game knowing the league title was out of their reach following Cove's win at the weekend.
The visitors had the first chance when James Ross surged into the box but his curling effort with the outside of his right boot was easily held by McCarthy.
It was a slow first quarter with Brora retaining the ball well but unable to put Wick under any serious pressure as the home side held their lines.
The visitors spurned a glorious chance in 18 minutes as some trickery from Martin Maclean left the Scorries defence flat-footed but, with the keeper to beat, the midfielder hit a harmless shot into the hands of McCarthy.
Dale Gillespie then tried his luck three minutes later only float his shot well over the bar.
Marc Macgregor nearly made the man advantage pay only to see his shot beaten away by visiting keeper Joe Malin
McCarthy had to be at his best when Brora were awarded a free kick from 25 yards out. Gavin Morrison hit a vicious curling shot that looked set to go in at the top corner only for the keeper to tip the ball over the bar.
It was backs-to-the-wall stuff as Brora upped the ante with Academy seemingly unable to break out of their own half.
Wick finally managed to test the visiting defence when Gordy MacNab broke away and laid the ball to Macgregor who curled his shot over the bar.
Brora hit back and McCarthy had to be watchful as Gillespie’s low, swerving effort was well held.
Wick came close when Richard Macadie tried his luck from 30 yards out and Joe Malin managed to grab it at the second attempt.
Brora wasted a glorious opportunity two minutes from the break when Morrison’s free kick found Neil MacDonald unmarked only for the centre-half to head over with the goal gaping.
The second half began mirroring the pattern of the first, with Wick content to sit back and try to catch Brora on the break.
The Cattachs still pressed, though, and Zander Sutherland fired in a shot from outside the box only for McCarthy to once again come to Wick’s aid.
Another gilt-edged chance was passed over by the visitors when Colin Williamson failed to stretch out a boot that would surely have converted Ross’s fine cross into the net.
Brora found themselves reduced to 10 men when Ally MacDonald, who had already picked up a booking in the first half, received a second yellow when he brought down Sam Mackay.
Macgregor nearly made the man advantage pay, only to see his shot beaten away by Malin.
The Wick striker could have won it late on but he could only head Craig Gunn’s cross over the bar.
This was the 69th match between Academy and Brora in league and cup – and the first time the teams had played out a goalless draw.
Wick Academy: McCarthy, Reid, Manson, Farquhar, D Mackay, Henry (Gunn 65), Macgregor, Macadie, MacNab, Hughes, S Mackay. Subs not used: Aitkenhead, Montgomery, Clark.
Brora Rangers: Malin, Ross, A MacDonald, Williamson, N MacDonald, Morrison, Gillespie, Maclean, Sutherland, Macleod (Campbell 87), Brindle (Davidson 71). Subs not used: Docherty, Mackay.
Referee: Harry Bruce
