Disappointing Scorries were not at the races, admits McKenna
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MANAGER Tom McKenna did not hold back from his verdict on Academy's dire show in their Highland League defeat to Forres on Saturday.
A poor performance from Wick enabled the Can-Cans to head down the road to Moray with the three points.
While defeats happen, the manner of this one disappointed McKenna who admitted his men were not firing on all cylinders.
He said: "We were just not at the races out there – we didn't perform from the word go.
"There was nothing about us. We were just flat and it was a very disappointing day.
"We couldn't string two passes together, didn't compete and couldn't get going.
"Sometimes you have to ask the players to take responsibility for themselves and pick things up to create an environment to lift the fans. But from the first whistle to the the very last minute, we couldn't create anything.
We were irrational in our performance and everything just seemed rushed.
"I don't know why that was, because we've done well the last couple of weeks and we were coming into this game very confident.
"We were irrational in our performance and everything just seemed rushed.
"There was nobody putting their foot on the ball and slowing the game down. We just looked nervy.
"This was a bad day at the office and we were well short of our capabilities and standards.
"Forres did what they are good at but we just didn't get close enough to them.
"I thought the first half was scrappy with the ball going back and forward.
"Then, lo and behold, they got two goals. We gave the ball away and they capitalised on it.
"No words were said to the boys afterwards. I think that sometimes it's best to wait until the next training session after things have simmered down."
Forres boss Charlie Rowley admitted the win for his men was a huge weight off their shoulders given their last win was in November.
"You won't believe how big a relief that result is," he said.
"It has been well documented that it's been a tough time for us of late in terms of results.
"So for us to come to what has historically been a tough place like Wick to get a win and a clean sheet is a huge boost.
"Hopefully we can use this result and performance to push on."
Bottom club Fort William completed a Highland League double over Clachnacuddin with a 1-0 win in Inverness.
A goalkeeping error by Jake Williamson, who gifted Iain MacLellan the ball when trying to clear, allowed the Fort striker to fire into an empty net midway through the second half.
The match was played at the Canal Park rugby ground as repairs continue at Clach's fire-damaged Grant Street Park.
Club officials estimated that around 700 fans turned out for the game on Friday night which was played on an artificial surface.
Brora Rangers maintained their grip on top spot after defeating Rothes. The Cattachs came away from Mackessack Park with a 1-0 victory courtesy of Jordan Macrae.
Fraserburgh kept up their pursuit of Brora as they won 6-0 at home to Lossiemouth. On target for the Broch were Scott Barbour, Greg Buchan, Ross Willox (2), Paul Young and Gary Harris.
Kieran Adams, Sam Urquhart, Andy MacAskill, Kyle Macleod and Jack Murray scored for Buckie Thistle as they beat Deveronvale 5-2. Vale's strikes came from Harry Noble (penalty) and Sam Robertson.
Graeme Rodger's hat-trick sent Formartine United on their way as they brushed aside Turriff United 5-0. Conor Gethins and Scott Lisle also netted.
A double from Scott Davidson helped Nairn County defeat Keith 2-1 for whom Cammy Keith scored.
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