Coach calls for Wick U18s to be more ruthless after Clach defeat
Coach Derek Shearer is urging Wick Academy under-18s to show a more ruthless streak following their 5-3 defeat to Clachnacuddin at Bught Park in Inverness, writes Steven Hughes.
The young Scorries created more than enough chances to win, but a combination of mistakes and a lack of composure in front of goal proved costly in their quest to claim the SHFL Under 18 North championship for the first time in five years.
“We lost some bad goals but still should have won the game with the amount of clear chances we created," Shearer said. "We need to start being more ruthless, especially away from home.
"We are very disappointed to not come away with something from the match. We deserved three points from that performance but unfortunately you don't always get what you deserve in football.”
Wick found themselves two down inside the first 15 minutes. Scott Durrand reduced the deficit with a brilliant lob from just inside the 18-yard box and by this point the visitors were well in control.
However, Clachnacuddin came up with a double sucker punch as they grabbed two goals in quick succession before half-time.
It was a frustrating half for the Caithness outfit as all the goals they conceded were on the counter-attack, having dictated long periods of the game.
After regrouping at half-time, Academy got a second goal when after a cross from the right found Kian Mackay at the back post to tap home. Mackay had been a thorn in the side for Clach's defence and was unlucky not to have scored or assisted a few more.
The Inverness side were camped in their own half for most of the second half as Wick pressed for a route back into the game, carving out several clear-cut chances.
The score remained at 4-2 until injury time when Clach put the game to bed with a fifth. There was still time for Wick to pull one back as Orkney native Louis Hancock opened his account for the season, rising to head home at the back post from a Mackay cross.
The Academy under-18s continue their league campaign on Sunday at home to Inverness Athletic.