McKenna hoping Wick can keep the momentum going
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WICK boss Tom McKenna is praying the weather will spare Harmsworth Park this weekend as his players can't wait to take on Clachnacuddin.
The Academy camp received a massive shot in the arm last weekend as they broke their winless run with a 2-1 victory at Formartine United.
Confidence is rising again and McKenna's troops are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their visitors from Inverness on Saturday.
While this week's frost in Wick got a shift overnight on Wednesday, the game could be in doubt as long spells of rain are forecast for Friday night.
McKenna said: "I've not spoken to the groundsman yet so I don't know what the pitch's chances are of being playable on Saturday.
"The rain that's forecast for Friday night will be a concern. We had to call off the Strathspey match recently because of a waterlogged pitch so hopefully the rain won't be as bad this time around.
"Now that we've ended our run without a win, the boys can't wait for this game and build on that victory against Formartine.
"Confidence is back up and when you've won you immediately start looking forward to the next game to see if you can get another victory.
"If the Clach game is called off then the momentum from last weekend takes a hit and it will not quite be there when we do return to action."
We had to rely on a late comeback to grab a two-all draw the last time Clach were up here.
McKenna also revealed that the frosty conditions had upset their preparation for Clach's visit.
"We train during the week on all-weather pitches but sometimes that title can be misleading," he said. "The frost was so bad that we were told the all-weather surface at Wick High School was too icy – and therefore unsafe – to train on.
"It was too late by then to try and book an indoor hall for some five-a-side work so I just told the boys to go and do their own thing to keep their fitness up. Whether that's going to the gym, going out jogging or doing a few lengths at the swimming pool... anything to ensure that they have got some form of exercise before the next training session."
With Clach in 13th place in the table and Academy now up to 10th, the Scorries will start as favourites but McKenna remains guarded against such a tag.
He said: "Clach always give you a tough game – no matter where they are in the league.
"Last season was a good one for us but we had to rely on a late comeback to grab a two-all draw the last time Clach were up here.
"It will be a different game to last weekend as we played on the counter-attack at Formartine – we'll be expected to be more on the front foot for this one.
"We've got to show Clach the respect they deserve and play as well as we know we can to get ourselves another victory."
The Lilywhites are now managed by former Academy defender Sandy McLeod.
“Wick Academy have always had decent players,” McLeod said. “They had a great result against Formartine last week.
“I know that they were struggling with injuries last month. Maybe they have these players back now.
“But if our boys can get the ball down and play we have a chance of winning the match.”
