Blend of youth and experience ‘starting to work out’ for Thurso Swifts, says manager Stevie Reid after Eain Mackintosh Cup first-round win
Thurso Swifts manager Stevie Reid has hailed his side’s blend of youth and experience after they booked their place in the second round of the Eain Mackintosh Cup on Tuesday night.
The second division side overcame the odds to beat their top-flight opponents John O’Groats 5-2.
Reid said: “It’s something that we’ve been working on for a while now, building a mix of experienced guys and some younger guys who are still finding their feet in adult football. They showed signs of that starting to work out.
“It was very pleasing and some of the goals they scored were good goals and they played some good stuff against a very good John O’Groats side.
“The plan is to develop these younger guys in the Thurso area. That’s why we’ve taken some of the more experienced guys in, to hopefully enjoy their last few years of football while helping out with bringing the younger lads on.
“It’s a work in progress, as it always is, but we’re enjoying it.
“The next round next Tuesday will provide another tough game for us against Lybster, another first division side.
“We know a bit about them, but I don’t envisage anything other than a good game and for our boys to continue to acquit themselves in the right way.
“It’s important that they stick together and hopefully going forward they can pick away and show signs of improvement.”
JOG opened the scoring when Martin Sinclair headed home a Callum Cooke corner.
But a first-half double from Kian Mackay swung the game in Swifts’ favour.
Mackay’s first came at the second time of asking after a low save was spilled back into the striker’s path. His second came moments later, slotting the ball into the far corner after being played in on goal.
Mackay completed his hat-trick early in the second half from the penalty spot after he was fouled inside the six-yard box.
Swifts made it 4-1 shortly after the hour mark when substitute Bailey Morrison turned the ball over the line after a pass from Darryl Wilson.
A Ryan Banks free kick reduced the deficit to 4-2 after it squeezed past the goalkeeper and a group of players at the near post.
A decisive win for Swifts was rounded off in the final minute when Eadan Ross headed in from a Lucas Reid corner.
Extra time was required in Wick as Staxigoe United claimed a 3-2 win over Thistle.
A Graham MacNab double and a goal from Matthew Aitkenhead proved enough to secure the victory for Staxigoe. Jayden Bremner scored both of Thistle’s goals.