Academy up for Nairn encounter
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THE magic sponge has been left to dry for most of the season at Harmsworth Park as Wick Academy have enjoyed almost perfect health.
One of only two men to suffer from serious injury this season is Martin Gunn, after a horror tackle in the Scottish Cup second round against Keith left him on the sidelines for five months.
But the 36-year-old midfielder looks set to add to his 400-plus appearances for the club after manager Davie Kirkwood confirmed the veteran has now fully recovered from the leg injury which has kept him out since October.
His recovery leaves only James More on the long-term injury list. He is definitely out for the rest of season to recover from a broken wrist.
With a full strength outfield squad to choose from the Scorries now look ahead to tomorrow’s game against Nairn County at Station Park.
Guy Fawkes Night was the last time these two sides met and it turned out to be an explosive affair when the home side hosted the match of the season – a 5-3 thriller.
But Kirkwood doesn’t mind how many goals Academy score on Saturday, as long as they can beat Nairn and keep a clean sheet.
"As long as the scoreboard reads Nairn County 0, I couldn’t care less if we only score one goal," he said.
"This is one match which the club always looks forward to so there should be no need to rile the players up for this one.
"At the start of the season we had a great result putting five past them when they were challenging for top spot.
"But that will have no reflection on this weekend’s match as it is going to be a very difficult game."
He added: "They have some quality players at their disposal but we can only focus on how we prepare for the match and go for the win."
Nairn County have five games in hand on Cove Rangers, who lost the lead to Forres on Wednesday, and know that if they win those matches it could leave them three points off the top and with an outside chance of lifting the club’s first title in 36 years.
Manager Les Fridge said: "We have suffered worse than most teams in the Highland League during the winter and we have lacked match fitness.
"Back in November we took a bit of a battering at Harmsworth Park and we know the danger they possess as they are arguably the form team in the league. They are a young squad and in the next few seasons have the potential to be challenging for the title.
"We have games in hand on every team above us so the emphasis is on us to make it count and we are confident about picking up three points on Saturday."
