Cup defeat will motivate Scorries
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GETTING knocked out of the North of Scotland Cup may be the best thing that happens to Wick Academy this season.
Manager David Kirkwood said that Tuesday night’s shock 2-1 defeat to North Caledonian League champions Halkirk United may be the wake-up call the team needs.
The new manager leads his team into the Highland League opener against Clachnacuddin at Harmsworth Park tomorrow.
After a disappointing campaign last season which resulted in Wick Academy finishing in 14th position, they are looking to bring some pride back to the club.
Kirkwood said he couldn’t hide his disappointment over being knocked out of the cup, but believes that it would provide plenty motivation tomorrow.
“Losing two late goals might be the best thing that happened to us,” he said. “We have to take positives out of the game and I think we showed plenty of that on Tuesday night.
“We do have to work on the ways of identifying the pace, the direction and the way we play. That won’t happen over two or three weeks.
“This is a part of a whole-season plan to stabilise the club and establish us a major club in the Highland League.
David Allan is still serving a two-match suspension after being sent off in a pre-season friendly against Thurso but Gary Weir will be back in action after being unavailable for the game against Halkirk United.
Kirkwood said that Weir will have a vital role to play if they are to get the season off to a good start.
“It will be great to have a recognised striker in the starting line up again,” he said. “We were forced to play attacking midfielders up front against Halkirk due to suspension and availability issues.
“Even though they did well, they are used to running back and forward. To have a player with the mindset of only going forward for goal could have a big say on the match.
“Clachnacuddin will bring a good side up North despite their problems. They are still a major club within the Highland League and have the ability to pull good talent from across the region.
He added: “I’m not looking to say where the club will be at the end of the season. All I’m looking for is three points on Saturday and building from there.”
