Kyle’s confidence will be ‘sky-high’ after hat-trick at Lossiemouth
Kyle Henderson’s confidence will be “sky-high” after hitting his first hat-trick for Wick Academy, according to manager Gary Manson.
The forward produced two classy finishes in the second half of Saturday’s Highland League encounter at Lossiemouth, having opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first period.
The Scorries ran out 3-1 winners despite playing most of the match with 10 men after midfielder Jack Henry was red-carded around the half-hour mark.
The result at Grant Park ended a five-game losing run for Academy, including a Scottish Cup exit in a penalty shootout, and lifted them two places to 13th in the league table.
“We were creating an abundance of chances in the last few games and scoring goals as well,” Manson said. “That always gives you a chance in games – it’s just at the other end that we need to tighten up and stop conceding so many.
“Kyle is a handful. He doesn’t stop running, he puts a right good shift in, and he’s got a thunderbolt in his left foot.
“His two finishes on Saturday, other than the penalty, were really calm and composed. He’s got a lot in his locker.
“That’s him up to eight goals already. That’s a good tally, considering we’re not even halfway through the season yet.
“Hopefully he kicks on now because his confidence should be sky-high after Saturday.”
Henderson opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 18 minutes.
Henry’s challenge on Niall Kennedy was deemed worthy of a red card by referee David Alexander.
Within five minutes the Coasters were level when Jared Kennedy sent a glancing header beyond Wick goalkeeper Graeme Williamson.
Henderson restored Wick’s lead on 65 minutes when he broke through the middle, outpaced two defenders and took the ball past goalkeeper Stuart Knight before slotting it in.
Nine minutes later Henderson completed his hat-trick when he again got on the end of a through ball and burst into the box. Henderson’s first effort was blocked by a defender but he clipped the ball over Knight at the second attempt.
Manson said: “It was a funny game because we were so comfortable at 1-0 and Graeme never really touched the ball in the first half an hour.”
On the red-card decision, Manson said: “Jack went in for a tackle which kind of leaves the referee with a decision to make – but it was extremely harsh.
“We went down to 10 men against Forres earlier in the season and we still gave as good as we got. I always thought we were still in with a chance of winning the game, and that’s the way it proved.
“We scored another two goals in the second half and probably should have had another couple as well. It was really comfortable in the end.”
Highland League leaders Brechin City had to settle for a 2-2 draw at home to closest rivals Brora Rangers at Glebe Park.
Marc Scott and Fraser MacLeod netted early in each half for City to twice put them in front, with James Wallace and George Robesten equalising on each occasion for the Cattachs.
Forres Mechanics inflicted another home defeat on champions Buckie Thistle.
Calum Frame put Mechanics in front early on. Buckie levelled through Josh Peters but Matt Jamieson restored the visitors’ advantage with what proved to be the winner.
Deveronvale held firm against Formartine United at North Lodge Park until a red card for Murray Esson shortly before the hour mark handed the initiative to the home side. They took the lead through Jonny Crawford before Michael Dangana made sure of the points.
Huntly came from behind at the break to snatch a 2-1 victory in their derby clash at Keith. Rothes endured another heavy loss, this time going down 7-1 at Banks O’ Dee.
Clachnacuddin were 3-1 winners at home to 10-man Turriff United. The Lilywhites remain fifth in the table, behind Brechin, Brora, Banks O’ Dee and Inverurie Locos.
Highland League results: Banks O’ Dee 7, Rothes 1; Brechin City 2, Brora Rangers 2; Buckie Thistle 1, Forres Mechanics 2; Clachnacuddin 3, Turriff United 1; Formartine United 2, Deveronvale 0; Keith 1, Huntly 2; Lossiemouth 1, Wick Academy 3; Nairn County 1, Fraserburgh 1; Strathspey Thistle 0, Inverurie Locos 4.
Fixtures – Highland League – Wednesday, October 16: Buckie Thistle v Nairn County; Fraserburgh v Formartine United.
Saturday, October 19 – North of Scotland Cup final: Brora Rangers v Clachnacuddin (at Nairn).
Highland League: Deveronvale v Lossiemouth; Formartine United v Buckie Thistle; Forres Mechanics v Brechin City; Fraserburgh v Inverurie Locos; Huntly v Nairn County; Rothes v Strathspey Thistle; Turriff United v Banks O’ Dee; Wick Academy v Keith (3pm).