Academy outplayed in cup derby
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IT was a night to forget for Wick Academy as they were outplayed for long spells by a slick Brora Rangers side who eventually ran out comfortable 4-0 winners in their North of Scotland Cup quarter-final clash.
Following on from their heroics at Formartine United on Saturday, much was expected from the Academy players. Unfortunately, they failed to deliver in front of a large travelling support.
The Scorries had already lost 2-0 to Brora in the opening league game at Dudgeon Park and Wednesday night’s visit was to prove even less productive.
Academy were on the back foot right from the kick-off.
Brora were dominant and they should have made the breakthrough in the 28th minute. Zander Sutherland sent a defence-splitting pass through to Paul Brindle but the Brora forward hesitated before being forced wide of goal and when he did get his shot away it ended up in the side netting.
Brindle then tried an audacious 30-yard lob in an attempt to catch McCarthy off his line but the ball just cleared the crossbar.
Academy rarely troubled the Brora defence but, more in hope than expectation, Sam Mackay let fly with a long-range effort which flew high and wide of target.
The second half started in the same fashion with Brora well on top and the opener eventually arrived just before the hour mark.
Player/manager Steven Mackay was bundled off the ball by Michael Steven in the box in the 59th minute and referee Harry Bruce had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Craig Campbell stepped up and coolly sent McCarthy the wrong way.
The Cattachs were 2-0 up in the 66th minute when Brindle jinked past a couple of defenders and laid the ball on a plate for Mackay.
There was no let-up on the Academy defence. A quickly taken corner was flicked on by Mackay and Campbell was left with a simple tap-in.
Substitute Kyle MacLean added a stunning fourth in the 87th minute which flew into the net off the underside of the crossbar.
