Hard work pays off as Wick U17s clinch title
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WICK Academy under-17s boss James Robertson saluted his young troops as they clinched the league title on the final day of the season.
Robertson’s side needed to beat Fort William at Harmsworth Park on Sunday to take the SHFL U17 North championship and they did so thanks to goals from Mark Macadie, Sam Barclay and Cameron Montgomery in an impressive 3-0 victory.
The scenes of jubilation at the end told their own story of how a season of hard work paid off for the young Scorries.
Robertson paid tribute to his team and staff for a memorable campaign.
He said: “It has been a long season, and a great effort has been put in by my fellow co-manager Mark McKenzie and all of the players.
“The big thing that probably decided it for us over the course of the season has been our defence. While we’ve had little problem in being able to put away goals, our defence rarely gave anything away.
“As for the game itself, it was good to finally get there in the end – especially as we had to postpone this game the previous week – but we got the fixture on and we are delighted to have been able to win the title on our home ground in front of our fans.
“It was a tough game and during the first 25 minutes, we were a wee bit nervous – understandably so.
“However, once the first goal went in, the boys began to settle down and play as we know they can.
“We did require a bit of luck as just before half-time Fort William had a great chance to equalise. Thankfully they were unable to put it away. That effectively turned the game in our favour.
“We came out in the second half, put them under pressure and got two more goals.
“As for the celebrations at the end, no champagne as the boys are under 17 but we made do with some soft drinks.”
And what of the chances of retaining the title next year? Robertson admits it will be tough as old age will rule out some of the squad, but he is confident those following from behind will be able to step into their boots.
He added: “Naturally, there will be those who will pass the under-17 age limit and they will probably either train with the first team or be placed in the North Caledonian League set-up.
“As for us, it will be hard to repeat what we’ve done and retain the title. However, the under-15 side has some very good players who will be too old to play for them but young enough to come into our squad.”
Wick’s breakthrough came in the 18th minute when Macadie finished off his own run down the left with a shot from 15 yards.
Eight minutes into the second half Barclay found a gap between two defenders and his shot from 20 yards beat the advancing keeper.
Wick made sure of the points after 80 minutes when Macadie made his way into the six-yard box, slipped the ball into the path of Cameron Montgomery and his shot found the corner of the net.
