Jags hang on for victory as Highland League football returns to Wick's Harmsworth Park
Wick Academy emerged with nothing to show for their efforts on the opening day of the 2020/21 Highland League season as Buckie Thistle hung on for a 3-2 victory in an entertaining encounter.
It wasn't the result the Scorries were hoping for in the first competitive match at Harmsworth Park for 315 days, but the socially distanced home fans will have been impressed by the spirit and intensity down by Gary Manson's men.
All the goals came in a rip-roaring second half, with two headers from Kyle Macleod and a penalty by Andy MacAskill ultimately proving decisive. Ryan Campbell and Craig Gunn were on target for Wick, and Campbell came close to securing a share of the points in a frantic finale only to be denied by a spectacular save.
With the Highlands being in level one of Scotland's five-tier system of coronavirus restrictions, a maximum of 300 spectators were allowed to attend and strict protocols were in place. Temperature checks were carried out on everyone arriving at the park, masks had to be worn throughout, a two-metre distance had to be observed and there was no hospitality or tea hut, with the ground divided into red, amber and green access zones in keeping with the guidelines.
At 3pm Gunn got the action under way as Academy began their first competitive match since the 4-1 defeat at Brora's Dudgeon Park on March 7, shortly before Covid-19 brought all football to a halt.
The Jags looked the more threatening side in the early stages as they attacked down the slope. Joe McCabe delivered a curling pass to Kevin Fraser, who cut in from the left only for his shot to be blocked.
At the other end Jack Henry instigated a move that culminated in Gunn blasting a shot against the crossbar, although the flag had gone up in any case.
Fraser was again played through on the left and debutant goalkeeper Graeme Williamson needed two attempts to gather the ball.
MacAskill floated in a cross which was nodded harmlessly wide by Sam Morrison from a good position.
Academy again broke upfield and Mark Macadie showed impressive skill and balance as he burst through on the left. He was crowded out and the ball fell to Henry, whose long-range effort flew over.
Another good delivery by MacAskill found Hamish Munro in the middle of the box but he flicked it wide of Williamson's left-hand post.
The Jags were on top in terms of possession, but Academy looked eager and purposeful when any opportunity arose to push forward and it was developing into an absorbing contest.
MacAskill ran at the Wick defence and there were a few shouts for handball as his shot was blocked.
Academy responded with a fine effort by Richard Macadie from outside the box which struck the face of the bar with keeper Lee Herbert beaten. Then Gunn found Mark Macadie who played it through to Henry, who was foiled by Herbert at point-blank range.
Buckie's Scott Adams came close three minutes into the second period when he unleashed a first-time shot that was kept out at the near post.
A header from Jack Murray dropped just over the bar, but with 55 minutes gone the Jags made the breakthrough. Adams lofted in a cross from the right and Macleod rose above the advancing Williamson to nod it into the net.
The Scorries reacted positively and got themselves back on level terms after 65 minutes with a cleverly worked goal from a corner on the left.
Gunn played it short to Davie Allan, whose brilliant flick back left Gunn in plenty of space as he drove into the box and set up Campbell for a tap-in at the far post.
Academy's tails were up now and Richard Macadie created an opening for his brother Mark, who cut inside only to fire well wide.
Buckie restored their lead in 70 minutes with a goal that was similar to their first. This time it was Mark McLauchlan, on the left, who provided the assist as Macleod sent another towering header beyond Williamson.
The visitors extended their lead four minutes later. MacAskill went down among a clutch of players and took the resultant penalty himself, firing it low to Williamson's right.
The Scorries were not going to give up, though, and they reduced the deficit on 78 minutes. Henry played Gunn through the middle and the striker fired an instinctive drive low past Herbert.
The home side kept piling forward and Campbell almost got his second of the afternoon when he hooked the ball towards the top corner, only for the diving Herbert to punch it over.
Gordon MacNab then sent the ball into the box and a mad scramble ensued, but no-one in a black-and-white shirt was able to get a vital touch. There was still time for Gunn to get on the end of Henry's pass and knock the ball into the net, but it was ruled offside.
Wick Academy: Williamson, Hughes, R Allan, Hardwick, Farquhar, R Campbell, Henry, R Macadie (S Campbell 77), Gunn, D Allan, M Macadie (MacNab 72). Subs not used: Sinclair, Manson, Bain, Clark.
Buckie Thistle: Herbert, Munro, Morrison, J Murray, McLauchlan, McCabe (C Murray 58), Cowie (Pugh 88), Fraser, Adams (Ross 72), Macleod, MacAskill. Subs not used: Mackinnon, Wood, Davidson, Strong.
Referee: Billy Baxter.