Kirkwood: 'We have to beat the strugglers'
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WICK Academy’s recent run of good form will count for nothing if they don’t take maximum points from their next four scheduled games, insists manager Davie Kirkwood.
Tomorrow his side takes on bottom-of-the-table Strathspey Thistle, who only have a point to their name so far this season, followed by a festive double header against Brora Rangers and a first foot from Rothes in the new year.
The Scorries go into the weekend with one defeat in their last five, which includes impressive away wins against Clach and Formartine and smashing five past Nairn County at home.
Despite throwing away a two-goal lead at Buckie to salvage a draw in the final minutes at Victoria Park, Kirkwood now believes his side can match the best teams in the league, but to do that Academy have to prove that they are more than a match for the teams below them.
“The last few weeks won’t mean a thing to us if we’re not able to pick up wins in our next few games,” he said. “I don’t mean to give any disrespect to teams like Strathspey or those at the bottom of the table, as they are decent clubs who can compete. But we have taken some big scalps already this season and the only way we are going to take advantage of that is if we beat the teams who are struggling in the league.”
James More and Martin Gunn are still on the long-term injury list, with Grant Steven also an injury doubt after suffering a knock in last week’s match.
Kirkwood also praised new goalkeeper Michael Gray who was signed earlier in the season from Thurso FC.
He said that he was instrumental in the draw against Buckie Thistle and is making a huge claim to keep the number one jersey away from Alan Bokas and James More.
“Since coming to the club Michael has been a positive influence and he pulled off some fantastic saves against Buckie when we were 3-2 down, which kept us in the match.
“His head didn’t go down after going behind, which had a good impact on the rest of the team, and hopefully that attitude will continue on for the rest of the season.”
Strathspey Thistle manager Brian Ritchie admits his team is going to Harmsworth Park as huge underdogs tomorrow.
He said that it may be a case of a backs-to-the-wall job if they are to get anything out of the match.
“It is common knowledge that Wick are one of the best attacking sides in the league and, if we are to have any chance, we are going to have to be very defensive and get them on the counterattack,” he said.
“This is our third year in Highland League football and despite being bottom of the league we have been competitive in every match we’ve played and kept most of our scorelines respectable.
“When Wick first joined the league in the mid 90s, their first few seasons were very similar to ours, but they have gone on to become a decent outfit. They are definitely a role model for where our club aims to be in 10 years’ time.”
