McKenna's men hoping to stop the rot in derby clash with Brora
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WICK Academy manager Tom McKenna says beating Brora Rangers would be the perfect way for the Scorries to stop the rot after a run of three consecutive defeats in the Highland League.
The far north derby rivalry resumes at Harmsworth Park on Saturday with Academy aiming to get back on track after away losses to Huntly, Rothes and Nairn County, while their opponents will be looking to continue their title quest.
In contrast to the last two seasons, when Cove Rangers ran away with it, the race for the Highland League crown is shaping up to be a more close-run affair. Only six points separate the top four of Buckie Thistle, Fraserburgh, Brora and Inverurie.
Buckie can prolong their stay at the top with a win at Huntly, while something will have to give when Locos and the Broch face each other. The winners of that one, and likewise Buckie, will be hoping Wick can upset the Cattachs.
But doing favours is the last thing on McKenna’s mind.
Yes, a derby against Brora will be a tough game, but I believe we’re more than capable of getting a result.
“No doubt Brora’s rivals will be looking for us to do them a turn but as far as I’m concerned, all I care about is helping Wick get three points," he said.
“We’ve lost our last three and, despite some good performances in the last two of those defeats, we want to stop the rot before it gets out of hand.
“We need to get back to winning ways. Yes, a derby against Brora will be a tough game, but I believe we’re more than capable of getting a result.”
Getting a result against Brora has been something of an obstacle for Academy in recent years. You have to go back to December 2012 to find the last time Wick beat Brora in the league.
Back then, two goals from Lukasz Geruzel and one from Sam Mackay secured a 3-0 win. While Mackay is still with the Scorries, McKenna will have to do without the midfielder on Saturday.
He said: “Both Sam and Danny Mackay will miss this one due to personal reasons.
"Jack Henry might be a doubt as well. He had a wee niggle in his groin in training the other night.
“Obviously he’s just back from an injury so we don’t want to put him at risk. We will monitor him before the game to see if he can or can’t play.
“It’s refreshing to be back at home playing in front of our own fans again as it has been a while.
“Brora are flying high at the minute. They’re in contention for the title and they’ve got themselves a great draw in the Scottish Cup away to Morton so no doubt their morale will be good.
“We had a heavy defeat at their place in the North of Scotland Cup [6-0] earlier this season – nothing went right for us that night.
“So we will be looking to show our fans that we’re much better than that and hopefully they can roar us on to a derby victory. When your own support are vocal and really get behind you, it gives you a lift and inspires you to push yourself on.”
